About
Hillsboro is a unincorporated, historic southwest community located in Sierra County, New Mexico. Situated at the base of The Black Range mountains off of Highway 152 makes Hillsboro one of the many entry points into the Gila National Forest.
Approximately 30 miles from Truth or Consequences, our small, vibrant town is a scenic drive along the Geronimo Trail. Once a hotbed for gold mining, Hillsboro is now an eclectic and charming combination of artists, ranchers, writers, and folks who generally like to enjoy slow time and living well.
History
Hillsboro was founded in April, 1877, when two prospectors discovered a series of gold deposits on the east side of the Black Range Mountains along Percha Creek. Dave Stitzel and Daniel Dugan staked out the Opportunity and Ready Pay mines. By 1880, the town had four companies of soldiers and 400 miners, accompanied by adventuresome women and children. As more solid structures of adobe and wood replaced the tent cities, the town eventually had four saloons, four grocery stores and a post office by 1800. A county courthouse was built in 1892. By 1907, the population was 1,200.
The community was the county seat of Sierra County from 1884 until 1936, when Hot Springs (now called Truth or Consequences) became the county seat.
LOCAL ASSOCIATED ORGANIZATIONS
Black Range Naturalist
Aldo Leopold Living History
