Historic Rural Hill Farm was the home of Major John Davidson, American patriot and signer of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Today the 265 acre historic plantation stands as a memorial to early American agriculture and has become a cultural center for Scottish heritage. It is the oldest public historic site in Mecklenburg County dating circa 1760.On the farm stands representation of the type of log home the Davidson's would have first lived in establishing Rural Retreat, the ruins of their finest home, and the final home of the family, which houses the museum and gift shop. Outbuildings are open to explore and a variety of animals roam throughout the site including the rare Highland Cows, which originate from Scotland. Two of some of the last remaining one room schoolhouses for black and white children in Mecklenburg County are also located on the farm. Historic Rural Hill is open year round except for certain holidays. Educational programs and special events are held throughout the year.