The Hillsville Historic District includes 16 buildings worthy of preservation that make up the historic central block of Carroll County’s county seat. Those interested in architectural and local history will find a clear thematic focus in Hillsville. The Carroll County Courthouse offers a concrete example of architectural history, while the museum and local tour options add a perspective on county history and different ways to explore.
The Courthouse and County History
The Carroll County Courthouse was designed and built by Col. Ira B. Coltrane from 1870 to 1875. Its architectural features include an arcaded ground floor, a Doric portico, Italianate brackets on the pediment, and an octagonal cupola. These details give architecture enthusiasts several specific points of interest: an arcaded ground floor is defined by arched openings, a portico is a columned porch, and the brackets are set on the pediment. This makes it possible to appreciate the building’s design through individual architectural elements, not just its construction dates.
The Carroll County Historical Society and Museum is located in the 1873 courthouse at 515 North Main Street. It presents the history of Carroll County and displays artifacts from Indigenous American communities, as well as an extensive collection relating to the American Civil War. The exhibits also include a large collection of portrait photographs and newspaper reports, along with a diorama of a 1912 courtroom scene. Objects, visual and written materials, and the recreated courtroom scene offer different ways to explore county history. Individual exhibits may change; check current visitor information before your trip.
Guided Tours or a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Guided tours of the Carroll County Courthouse are available; advance reservations are requested. Check current tour information before your visit. The Hale Wilkinson Carter Home in the historic district also offers tours. If you would like to explore Hillsville on your own, you can use a museum brochure for a self-guided walking tour of the town. The two formats have different focuses: the guided tour covers the courthouse, while the brochure supports a walking tour of Hillsville.
Seasonal Market and Musical Heritage
The Town of Hillsville Farmers Market is a seasonal local market behind the historic Hale Wilkinson Carter Home at 540 Pine Street. If you plan to visit the market, keep its seasonal schedule in mind and check current operating information before your trip. The historic home itself offers tours, so the market and house tour provide different reasons to explore the Hillsville Historic District.
Another cultural connection is Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail: The Crooked Road, which runs through the Town of Hillsville. Along with the architecture and museum collections, this music trail gives Hillsville an additional cultural and historical dimension. When choosing what to see, you can consider architectural history, county history, and musical heritage as distinct themes.
Plan Your Stay and Travel
To decide whether Hillsville suits your stay, you can give equal weight to your interests and travel dates: the Historic District and courthouse focus on architecture, the museum and walking tour on local and county history, while the farmers market is seasonal. Reservations are requested for a courthouse tour. Hillsville is accessible via Interstate 77, a point of reference to consider when planning your trip. If you’re looking for hotels in Hillsville, the town’s historical and cultural profile offers a concrete starting point for considering Hillsville as a possible destination.
Discover more destinations: Fancy Gap, Cana.
View the main travel guide: Carroll County.
