Welcome to Hawthorn Junction
Where Community Meets Industry
The History of Hawthorn JUnction
The first settler of this area was Herbdale Hawthorn, who established his farm on the banks of Sag Pond Lake in 1890. As the town began to grow, Hawthorn sold half his acreage to two other settlers: Ichabod Plum and Sammal Jenkin. Plum and Jenkin often quarreled about their land boundaries, but Hawthorn acted as a mediator between the two and generally kept the peace.
In 1910, Jenkin and Plum agreed to incorporate a large parcel of their land into the creation of a new town, which was officially founded by Henry P. Hawthorn, son of Herbdale Hawthorn. He took it upon himself to name the new town after his family - and so Hawthorn Junction was born!
As an isolated rural town, Hawthorn Junction didn't have access to modern technology until 1912, when Henry bought a telegraph for the newly-built town hall. Morse code was a difficult concept for most residents to grasp, and the presence of the telegraph was a rival for the Jenkin's General Store's postal service. But as the town developed, it embraced the implements of modern society while still remaining true to its pastoral roots.
Today, Hawthorn Junction is a small town bustling with life and culture, shaped by its deep history. Descendants of the three founding families still live and own thriving businesses in the town. While the community centers around its scenic attractions and agriculture, its main draw is the annual Lizzy on Main festival and parade. Visit today to experience everything Hawthorn Junction has to offer!