Rural Hill Farm - Catawba Valley Scottish
Society
Just
a few miles up Beatties Ford Road from the center city, Rural
Hill Farm is a peaceful retreat from the activity of downtown.
The Farm is the historic homestead of John Davidson, son of a
Scottish immigrant, who settled on the plantation circa 1760.
The Catawba Valley Scottish Society has maintained and preserved
Rural Hill Farm since 1995 as an outstanding example of the agricultural
heritage of the greater Charlotte region and as a Center for Scottish
Heritage.
Historic resources on the Farm include rural vistas and the farm
landscape, the recently restored one-room Davidson Family Schoolhouse,
the ruins of the original plantation mansion, the Rural Hill Farmhouse
(originally built as a kitchen and remodeled into a residence),
heritage livestock and traditional farming implements. With help
from the Historic Landmarks Commission, the CVSS has recently
completed construction of a support facility for visitors to the
Farm.
The mission of the CVSS is to educate people about the culture,
heritage and contributions of the Scots and Scots-Irish and to
provide venues for recognizing and celebrating their rich legacy.
The Society's Master Plan for Rural Hill Farm includes an educational
center that will support interpretation of the historic farm,
the development of historic and agricultural programming and
maintenance of a venue for Scottish cultural events.
The Farm is currently home to Scottish cultural activities such
as the Loch Norman Highland Games, The Amazing Maize Maze and
The Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials. As the master plan for the Farm
becomes reality, visitors will have an opportunity to participate
in daily farm chores and put their hands on a part of our heritage
that defined the lifestyle of the greater Charlotte region. Through
their leadership, labor and vision, the CVSS has turned Rural
Hill Farm into a valuable community resource and year-round family
attraction.
Historic Charlotte is pleased to present this 2003 Preservation
Award to the Catawba Valley Scottish Society for their long-term
stewardship of Rural Hill Farm.
More on the Historic Rural Hill Farm - Center of Scottish Heritage can be found at www.ruralhillfarm.org.
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