In The News 1 May 2025

220th birthday of the official creation of Highland County

The Highland County Press - Staff Photo - Create Article

By John Levo
Highland County Historical Society

Today, May 1, is the 220th birthday of the official creation of Highland County.

A look at a map today would not be an indication of what the original county outline was.  

The county was created from Ross County and extended from the Adams County line to the headwaters of Paint Creek in what is now Madison County, between Jeffersonville and London.  

It remained that way until over ½ of the present Fayette County and about ¾ of Clinton County were removed for those counties creation in 1810.  

With only some tweaking of the line with Clinton County, it remained that way until 1874 when Highland County gained land from then Clermont County when Brown County was established.

In the late 1700s, Sinking Spring was the first community established within the county, but New Market was chosen as the first seat of government. It remained such until 1807 when Hillsboro was platted.

With all the attention rightfully being paid to America’s celebration in 2026, let’s not overlook our own 225th in just five short years.

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