When searching for the first settlers to Hillsboro, North Carolina (Orange County), one of the first ten maps drawn by Sauthier in October 1768 should be considered. The map was created after the uprising of the North Carolina Regulators in that town and immediately followed Governor Tryon’s arrival in that region during September.
The little town is shown on the Eno River in the wooded land of Orange County. The big star at the upper left shows north, south, east, and west, and one notes that the town seems to be laid out “properly” in these directions. Roads leading to neighboring towns were carefully marked from Halifax, New Bern, Quaker Settlement, and Cross Creek.
At the lower left is “Oakaneetche Mountain,” a great hump of earth overlooking Hillsboro. Another of the Occoneechee mountains is seen at the edge of the map. The Occoneechee Indians were one of several Indian tribes in the area. Later, Boy Scouts in this part of Orange County belonged to the Occoneechee Council. They sometimes have camporees at the Hillsboro race ground, which is not far from the “Race Ground” marked on our map. This Race Ground lies neatly within a bend in the Eno River, as though the river wanted to mark out this area of flat land for such particular use. Scattered here and there outside the town were farms. The rectangular plots of farmland were clearly marked, and the farmhouses and secondary buildings were placed at corners convenient to the road.
Source: Colonial Homes in North Carolina by John V. Allcott
