The Age Old Question: Middlesboro vs. Middlesborough

The name “Middlesborough” was selected by our founders who expected that the city would become a center for the production of iron and steel, similar to Middlesbrough on the northeast coast of England. Perhaps the organization best associated with the earlier spelling was the Middlesborough Town & Land Company that was responsible for laying out the town. 

In 1894 the U.S. Post office dropped the “UGH” from most place names. Some places, such as Hillsboro, North Carolina, had the spelling subsequently restored to their full and proper name. Today both spellings of Middlesboro and Middlesborough are used interchangeably.

As revitalization efforts began to gain force in the early 1990s the Middlesborough variation gained more common usage to define the downtown area primarily. The walkway along the canal became known as the Middlesborough Canal Walk and signs went up designating it as such. Varied opinions about the founders of town and frustration of the “bust” that quickly followed the founding caused some local people to cross out the name Middlesborough wherever it appeared. This was an act of protest to indicate their preference for the Middlesboro spelling that was less British sounding and lacked negative associations.

We can't say which is the best spelling once and for all. When writing history, the custom is to use the most prevalent spelling that has been adopted at the time period being described. In a series of plans recently completed by Discover Downtown Middlesboro, we chose to use the "Middlesborough" spelling. In doing so, we hope to instill a positive, improving, “yes we can” mentality needed to make improvements as we move ahead. This aligns us with efforts over several decades to celebrate and preserve the heritage of our town. That is why over time we hope to use the Middlesborough spelling when referring to our work. Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Feel free to share yours in the comments section below.

A Chronology of Spelling Middlesboro vs. Middlesborough

• 1890s - Town of Middlesborough officially laid out by the Middlesborough Town & Land Company.
• 1894 - United States Postal Service drops the UGH from Middlesborough. Custom becomes to use the Middlesboro spelling.
• 1986 - Plaque dedicated "Middlesborough Fire Company" on North 20th Street.
• 1990s - American Association Building restored (today Bell County Tourism and Alexander Arthur Museum) and Middlesboro name used on exterior.
• 1990s - Canal Walk built and uses the Middlesborough spelling.
• 2006 - Discover Downtown Middlesboro formed.
• 2007 - Murals and gateway sign on train trestle utilizes Middlesborough spelling.
• 2013 - Better Block Middlesborough, Bike Friendly Middlesborough and the Middlesborough Exploration Center are launched.
• 2013 - DDM produces Downtown Middlesborough: Our Vision and Plan to guide work for next five years. Includes recommendation to use the Middlesborough spelling.