Hart Square Village

I first learned about the village in a PBS documentary, and knew I had to see it. This is the largest collection of log buildings anywhere in the US. Dr. Hart began collecting log structures he found on other properties within a 20 mile radius of Hickory, NC; got the rights to them from the property owners; and then reconstructed them on his own property in the woods surrounding a small lake. In all, he collected 104 log structures to create the village. On the last Saturday of October the village is populated with people in period costume, circa 1790-1820. All of the buildings are open and filled with an amazing assortment of tools, utensils, materials and goods from the era. The amount of detail is amazing! Craftspeople of all trades populate the village and can be found creating their crafts or professions. On many porches of the wealthier log homes, musicians gather and play old-timey music, some from those early days and some that are more contemporary. Here are just a few pictures representing the variety of crafts, professions and buildings that bring this town to life each year. Note the vicar walking home from church; the surveyor in the top heat and vest; the coffin in the rafters of the general store; the cooper, boot maker, various forms of transport and early machinery. Also note the young revolutionary soldier posing with the firestation water tank, and the three-holer outhouse. Was that really a social event back in the day? A wonderful, educational living history of life 200 years ago. I talked with people who have been going for 30 years who stated they see and learn something new each year.

10 minutes or so from where I live is one of the most unique attractions you'll ever fine to tour. - Hart Square. This property has the largest collection of heritage log cabins in the United States. In addition to log homes, the village has trade shops, a cotton gin, and more. It is only opened up certain times of the year for a limited number of days. So check their website to get tickets and open and closed information.

Hart Square Village is a fantastic place to go back in time and learn about the history of the 1800s. With over 100+ log structures, this village is the largest collection in the world! You can visit Hart Square all year long, but if you want to see the village come to life, you need to attend the annual Hart Square Village Festival held in October. We are thrilled to have this hidden gem right in our very own backyard.

This place is terrific!! If you love history, the old lifestyles and beautiful craftsmanship then this is the place to bring a smile to your face and a sense of awe. Dr. Hart had such a vision for this absolutely beautiful village he created. It was well worth the time and effort according my elderly dad to trek around using his cane. The map was very helpful and staff was super kind. It's impressive to say the least that all these buildings were once locally built, then rebuilt and furnished by the Harts to create the magnificent collection. I would love to live here!

This is such an amzing collection of history. It truly feels like you're transported in time, as opposed to a museum. There are no ropes or objects behind display cases. I have been to many plantations and backcounty farms but this is the most comprehensive and interactive place I have visited. I do wish they were open to the public more often, but I guess that makes the opportunity to visit even more special.

It's a beautiful place to educate yourselves and your children about our history and how ppl lived off the land & the resources back in the day. Will definitely be going back with all my kids. Pretty great that Dr Hart took time out of his day to do a walk through of some of the cabins with these classes too. He has a great sense of humor & seemed to genuinely enjoy being with them.