Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg is an independent city in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, spread along several wide roads. The downtown shows a mix of low brick buildings and modern facilities, while the outskirts hold residential neighborhoods and campus grounds.

The settlement began in 1779 and grew into an independent city by 1916. The Newtown district was founded in 1865 by freed slaves and remained a significant part of the community.

The city takes its name from Thomas Harrison, who settled the area in the late 18th century. Visitors today notice the diversity through restaurants, grocery stores, and places of worship representing different communities.

Two universities shape the city and bring a young population into the downtown area. Visitors find cafes, bookstores, and shops near the historic courthouse.

More than fifty languages are spoken in daily life, including Arabic and Kurdish. This shows in grocery stores offering products from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1779

Elevation above the sea: 404 m

Shares border with: Rockingham County

Website: http://harrisonburgva.gov

GPS coordinates: 38.44940,-78.86890

Latest update: December 15, 2025 06:59