The Eno River State Park is about to get a little bigger – saving more than 200 acres of historic land in Hillsborough in the process.

On Thursday, the Eno River Association announced it’s facilitating the sale of about 220 acres of land currently owned by the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust. Located along the Eno River near Hillsborough’s Riverwalk, the land includes the Historic Occoneechee Speedway, the James M. Johnston Nature Preserve and four indigenous settlements that date back to the year 1000.

Read the full statement from the Eno River Association.

“It’s awesome,” Hillsborough Mayor Jenn Weaver said of the announcement. “Just the thought that Riverwalk now is going to have state parks at each end – it feels unique and cool, and I’m excited about it.”

The land is currently owned by the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust, which also owns the Ayr Mount historic site. The trust began purchasing the land in the 1990s, using conservation easements to preserve it from development.

Mayor Weaver said the trust recently underwent a reorganization, which motivated the Eno River Association to begin working with Classical American Homes to find a way to continue preserving the land – and keeping it open for public use.

“Ensuring the long-term stewardship of these unique properties was our primary objective for working with the Eno River Association,” said Kevin Cherry, vice president of the trust. “With this transaction, the ecology of the area will be preserved, the speedway will remain accessible for low-impact recreation, and the archeological sites will be protected and available for research and teaching. We welcomed the opportunity to help the Association and other conservation groups in their efforts.”

As part of the transaction, the Archaeological Conservancy will take over 20 acres of land – a plot known as the Eno River Bend, where the indigenous settlements are located. The other 200 acres, including the Johnston preserve and the Occoneechee Speedway trail, will go to the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation and become part of Eno River State Park.

An aerial photo provided by the Eno River Association displaying the land expected to be included in the sale.

“We consistently strive to fulfill the three arms of our mission in one project ― protecting the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Eno River basin. This significant project will do just that,” said Jessica Sheffield, executive director of the Eno River Association. “These 200-plus acres will continue to enrich our local community in perpetuity, in the care of their new stewards.”

While the transaction has been announced, it’s not yet official. The total cost of the land is slightly more than $2 million: Classical American Homes will donate 23 percent of that total, but the remaining funds will have to be raised over the next year through public funds and private donations.

One significant private donation has already been announced: the Harkrader Family has contributed $100,000 for the cause.

 

Photo via Carolina Gilmore/Eno River Association.

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