Hilliards, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Hilliards is a small community located in Washington Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is an unincorporated village, which means it's a settlement without its own local government. Instead, it's part of the larger township around it.
A Look at Hilliards' Past
Hilliards started as a busy place known as Hilliards Mills. It was a "mill town" because it had a gristmill. A gristmill is a type of factory that grinds grain into flour. The town was named after the person who owned this important mill.
The Railroad Arrives
In 1876, the Shenango and Allegheny Railroad built a train line to Hilliards. This train line helped local businesses move coal and oil. Because of the train, the town became known as Hilliards Station.
Hilliards Station was the southern end, or "terminal," of this train line. Trains also carried people from Hilliards to other nearby villages. These villages included Eau Claire, Argentine, Annisville, North Washington, Higgins Corners, and Whiskerville. This passenger service continued until 1935.
Later, another railroad company took over the line. The Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad gained control and renamed it the Hilliards Branch. In the early 2000s, the railroad was no longer used. The tracks were eventually removed.
Hilliards Today
Hilliards is the starting point for the popular Slippery Rock Creek. This creek flows through northern Butler County. It then goes through the beautiful McConnells Mill State Park. Finally, it joins the Connoquenessing Creek in Ellwood City.
Today, the community is much quieter than it was during the railroad days. It still has a small church that serves the residents. However, the town's post office has closed down.
