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.