National Register Listing

Bell's Opera House

109-119 S. High St., Hillsboro, OH
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Invention

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

industry invention architecture houses residential buildings
Ohio is known as the "Mother of Presidents" because of its role in producing so many US presidents. In addition to the seven presidents who were born in Ohio, another president, William Henry Harrison, lived in Ohio for much of his life and is sometimes counted as an honorary Ohioan.
Ohio random facts
Highland County, Ohio is located in the southcentral part of the state and is rich with a vibrant history. The county was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the establishment of the first permanent settlement, New Market, in 1796. The early years were marked by conflicts between the settlers and Native American tribes, culminating in the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794, which led to the Treaty of Greenville and opened up the area for settlement.

In the early 19th century, Highland County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal brought an influx of people and industries to the region, boosting the local economy. The county became known for its agricultural production, particularly wheat and corn. The county seat, Hillsboro, was founded in 1807, and it quickly became a hub for commerce and civic life in the area.

During the Civil War, Highland County played a significant role. It was a strong supporter of the Union cause, with many local men enlisting in the Union Army. The county also had its share of notable figures, including General William Starke Rosecrans, who commanded the Army of the Cumberland during the war. After the war, the county continued to grow and prosper, with the expansion of industries such as manufacturing, coal mining, and oil drilling.

In more recent times, Highland County has focused on preserving its rich history and promoting tourism. The Highland County Historical Society operates the Highland House Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits from the county's past. The area is also known for its natural beauty, with rolling hills, forests, and lakes providing opportunities for outdoor recreation. Today, Highland County remains a tight-knit community with a strong sense of pride in its heritage and a determination to embrace the future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Highland County, Ohio.

  • 1805: Highland County was established on May 1.
  • 1813: The first courthouse was built in Hillsboro, the county seat.
  • 1835: The first newspaper, Hillsborough Gazette, was published in Hillsboro.
  • 1840: The Cincinnati, Wilmington and Zanesville Railroad arrived in the county.
  • 1856: Construction of the Hillsboro Female Seminary was completed.
  • 1862: The Civil War prompted many men from Highland County to enlist in the Union Army.
  • 1878: The Highland County Historical Society was founded.
  • 1898: Hillsboro Electric Light and Power Company began operation.
  • 1910: The Highland County Courthouse was built in its current location.
  • 1938: The Rocky Fork Lake State Park was established.
  • 1957: The Highland County Airport opened.
  • 1973: Rocky Fork Lake was officially dedicated as a state park.
  • 1997: The Highland County Office Building was completed.
  • 2001: The Highland County Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Hillsboro.
  • 2015: Hillsboro celebrated its bicentennial.