There are a couple of stories about how Hilliard got its start, but most agree it began in 1852 when John Reed Hilliard bought ten acres of farmland, knowing the railroad was coming through. Some say he saw a business opportunity; others believe he simply wanted to build a town that bore his name. Originally called Hilliard’s Station, the area quickly became a hub for shipping agricultural goods, with the railroad at its heart and Main Street as its spine. After World War II, the town saw a surge in suburban development, and by 1960, it had grown enough to become an official city. Today, you can still see traces of both eras—the historic train depot in Weaver Park and the mid-century neighborhoods that followed—blending old roots with new growth.