Historic partnership could bring Eno River State Park to downtown Hillsborough

Over 200 acres of land near downtown Hillsborough could soon become part of Eno River State Park.

The historic area is located near the Ayr Mount historic site, a Federal-era plantation house owned by the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust.

According to Thursday's announcement, the land contains "four known early settlements dating back to A.D. 1000 and the former Occoneechee Speedway, the only surviving dirt track from NASCAR’s inaugural 1949 season," which reopened to the public in 2003 and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

It's now used as a walking trail.

The trust began purchasing the land in 1993. Representatives from the trust said working with the Eno River Association will help preserve the historic site, protecting it from development.

“We consistently strive to fulfill the three arms of our mission in one project ― protecting the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Eno River basin. This significant project will do just that,” said Jessica Sheffield, executive director of the Eno River Association.

According to The Archaeological Conservancy, the land also contains sites which are "tremendously significant for informing our understanding of Native American life in the Piedmont region from A.D. 1000 until the early 1700s, a time period that was complicated as Native people reacted to and interacted with European trade goods and settlers coming into the area."

“The speedway property and the river are integral parts of Hillsborough's cultural and environmental health and identity, and this transition would ensure these treasures are protected and open for the enjoyment of the public and benefit to the community for many years to come," said Hillsborough Mayor Jennifer Weaver. "Our residents and visitors will be able to enjoy all the terrific restaurants, art, and retail that downtown has to offer and then walk to state parks on either end of Riverwalk.”

The Eno River Association and the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation are currently applying for local, state, and federal funding to support the project along with asking for donations to make the project happen.

Donations can be made at www.enoriver.org.