Posted in North Carolina Attractions, Museums October 20, 2021 by

The Largest Museum Village In North Carolina Showcases 103 Log Cabin Structures And Artifacts From The 1800s

Most people don’t know there is a museum village in North Carolina that contains 103 log structures that were moved to their current location from nearby locations in North Carolina. And the history behind Hart Square Village is remarkable.

Hart Square is located 20 minutes south of Hickory, North Carolina, in the unincorporated community of Vale.
Google/Visit Hickory Metro
It was built, log by log, under the vision of local resident and prominent family physician, Dr. Bob Hart, who soon after moving to the area purchased 200 acres of land with the intention of preserving the wildlife in the area.
Soon, however, one of Hart's patients told him about an old log cabin on their property that needed to be saved. Hart jumped at the chance and moved the old cabin - log by log - to the edge of a large pond on his 200 acres.
Google/Bonnie Robinson
And the rest... is history.
Over the decades that followed, Hart and his wife would save and move 103 log structures, including 30 log homes, two log churches, a grist mill, and several other trade shops.
Google/Tom Devlin
There's a potter's cabin as well as several barns. And all of these were rescued and moved from places within the Piedmont or Western regions of North Carolina.
Over the 60 years of building out Hart Square, Hart and his wife would also frequent flea markets and auctions to acquire furnishings and small items true to the 19th century to furnish the log structures.
Google/Dean Blanton
In 2017, the Village broke ground on an educational center that provides some infrastructure that allows for more people to visit the village and learn from it.
For the most part, if you want access to Hart Square, you'll need to purchase an annual membership.
Google/Allen Langley
However, there are events that take place throughout the year that do require admission, but don't require that membership fee in order to attend.
One of them takes place on the fourth Saturday in October each year. In 2021, the festival is set for Saturday, October 23rd.
Google/Bonnie Robinson
Simply called "The Annual Festival," it brings together over 300 artisans and docents that really bring the place to life as if it were an actual community from the 1800s. You can learn more about The Annual Festival here and see a map of all 103 log structures on the property.
Hart Square Village really is a testament to life in the 19th century in the Carolinas.
Google/nine2-5traveler
If you'd like to learn more about an annual membership and what kind of access it grants you to the village, you can visit this link.

Hart Square also opens the gates for group tours, field trips, facility rentals, as well as photography day passes and classes it offers. See the official Hart Square website for more information!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Hart Square Village, 5055 Hope Rd, Vale, NC 28168, USA