Hillsboro, Kansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hillsboro, Kansas
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Natural Science Center on Tabor College campus (2007)
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Location within Marion County and Kansas
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kansas |
| County | Marion |
| Township | Liberty, Risley |
| Platted | 1879 |
| Incorporated | 1884 |
| Named for | John Hill |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.45 sq mi (6.36 km2) |
| • Land | 2.44 sq mi (6.32 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.04 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,434 ft (437 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,732 |
| • Density | 1,115.1/sq mi (429.6/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (CST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
67063
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| Area code | 620 |
| FIPS code | 20-32275 |
| GNIS ID | 485592 |
Hillsboro is a city located in Marion County, Kansas, in the United States. In 2020, about 2,732 people lived there. The city is named after John Hill, who was one of the first settlers in the area in 1871. Hillsboro is also home to Tabor College.
History of Hillsboro
Early Beginnings
For a very long time, the Great Plains of North America were home to Native American groups who moved around a lot. In the 16th to 18th centuries, France claimed much of this land. In 1762, after a war, France secretly gave this land to Spain.
19th Century Development
In 1802, Spain gave most of the land back to France. Then, in 1803, the United States bought a huge area, including what is now Kansas, from France. This was part of the Louisiana Purchase.
In 1854, the Kansas Territory was created. Kansas became the 34th U.S. state in 1861. Marion County, where Hillsboro is located, was formed in 1855.
Hillsboro was named after John Gillespie Hill, who settled here in 1871. The city was first called Hill City. But because there was already another city in Kansas with that name, it was changed to Hillsboro on June 20, 1879. A post office was set up in a nearby place called Risley in 1873, then moved to Hillsboro in 1879.
In the late 1870s, a railroad line was built through Hillsboro. This line connected Hillsboro to other towns like Florence and McPherson. The railroad helped the town grow by making it easier to transport goods and people. However, this railroad line was later removed in 1993 after heavy flood damage.
20th Century Growth
In 1908, Tabor College was started by Christian churches. This college became a very important part of Hillsboro.
The National Old Trails Road, a famous highway that went from one side of the country to the other, was created in 1912. It passed through Hillsboro, connecting it to other towns.
Geography and Climate
Hillsboro is located in the Flint Hills and Great Plains regions of Kansas. The city covers about 2.57 square miles (6.66 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water.
Local Climate
The weather in Hillsboro has hot and humid summers. Winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate.
Fun Things to Do
Area Events
- Hillsboro Arts & Crafts Fair: A fair where you can see and buy art and handmade items.
- Hillsboro Farmer's Market: A place to buy fresh food and local products.
- Marion County Fair: A big fair with rides, games, and animal shows.
- Annual Easter egg hunt: A fun event for kids around Easter.
Area Attractions
Hillsboro has some interesting places to visit:
- W.F. Schaeffler House Museum: This house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
- Mennonite Settlement Museums: These museums show the history of the Mennonite people who settled in the area.
- 1876 P.P. Loewen House: This is a special house made of traditional Russian clay bricks. It's the only one of its kind left in North America. It's also on the NRHP.
- Jacob Friesen Flouring Wind Mill: This is a detailed copy of a windmill that was used in 1876 to grind grain.
- 1886 Kreutziger School No. 97: This old school building was used from 1886 to 1960.
- Marion Reservoir: This large lake is northeast of Hillsboro. It's a great place for outdoor activities like boating and fishing.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 133 | — | |
| 1890 | 555 | 317.3% | |
| 1900 | 754 | 35.9% | |
| 1910 | 1,134 | 50.4% | |
| 1920 | 1,451 | 28.0% | |
| 1930 | 1,458 | 0.5% | |
| 1940 | 1,580 | 8.4% | |
| 1950 | 2,150 | 36.1% | |
| 1960 | 2,441 | 13.5% | |
| 1970 | 2,730 | 11.8% | |
| 1980 | 2,717 | −0.5% | |
| 1990 | 2,704 | −0.5% | |
| 2000 | 2,854 | 5.5% | |
| 2010 | 2,993 | 4.9% | |
| 2020 | 2,732 | −8.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
As of the 2020 census, there were 2,732 people living in Hillsboro. The population density was about 1,120 people per square mile. Most of the people living in Hillsboro are white. About 5.6% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in Hillsboro is about 35.6 years old. About 20.9% of the population is under 18 years old.
Economy and Jobs
The biggest employers in Hillsboro are related to education. Tabor College and Unified School District 410 (the public school system) have been important to the community for over 100 years.
Hillsboro Industries, a manufacturing company, started in 1968. In 2014, Wal-Mart opened a smaller grocery store called Walmart Neighborhood Market in Hillsboro. There are also jobs in farming and related businesses like Circle D Manufacturing and Cooperative Grain and Supply.
Education in Hillsboro
College Education
Tabor College is a private college in Hillsboro. It is connected to the Mennonite Brethren Church. In 2009, Tabor College built a new football field that is also used by Hillsboro High School.
Schools for Kids
The public schools in Hillsboro are part of the Hillsboro USD 410 school district.
- Hillsboro High School
- Hillsboro Middle School
- Hillsboro Elementary School
School Sports
The mascot for Hillsboro High School is a Trojan. All school sports and activities are managed by the Kansas State High School Activities Association. The girls' basketball team won the 3A Kansas State Basketball tournament in 2007.
Private Schools
- Hope Valley Christian School is a private elementary school located just outside Hillsboro.
Libraries
Each school in the USD 410 district has a library for students. Students at Tabor College can use the Tabor College Library. The city also has the Hillsboro Public Library, which is open to everyone.
Local Media
Hillsboro has two weekly newspapers: the Hillsboro Free Press and the Hillsboro Star-Journal. The Star-Journal is the oldest newspaper in the city.
You can also listen to many radio stations from the Wichita-Hutchinson area. Television is available through over-the-air digital TV, cable TV, and satellite TV.
City Services
Getting Around
US-56 highway runs along the north side of Hillsboro. K-15 highway is also nearby. There is a small airport called Alfred Schroeder Field right next to the fairgrounds.
Utilities and Internet
Hillsboro has different companies that provide internet, TV, electricity, gas, water, sewer, and trash services. You can get internet through fiber, DSL, cable, wireless, or satellite.
Famous People from Hillsboro
- Donald Dahl (1945-2014): He served in the Kansas House of Representatives and the U.S. Navy.
- Theodore Schellenberg (1903-1970): He was a famous archivist, which means he managed historical records.
See also
In Spanish: Hillsboro (Kansas) para niños
