Lancaster Court House Historic District

Lancaster Court House Historic District is a preserved governmental complex in Virginia containing 25 structures and one monument. The site includes buildings from different periods, such as courthouses and administrative offices, with some still in active use today.

The courthouse first opened in 1861 and was remodeled in 1937, incorporating design elements inspired by Thomas Jefferson's Roman Revival style. The district developed from an 18th-century governmental center and continues to serve administrative purposes in the region.

Several buildings within the district work together to preserve and share stories about Lancaster County's past and local heritage. Visitors can see how these spaces continue to serve community purposes while keeping their historical identity alive.

The district continues to function as an active governmental center while allowing visitors to walk through and explore historical buildings, including an 18th-century administrative office and a former jail. The layout centers around an open plaza, making the site easy to navigate on foot.

A memorial erected here in 1872 was the first of its kind anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The monument still stands on the central plaza of the complex and remains a striking part of the historical site.

Location: Lancaster

GPS coordinates: 37.76970,-76.46470

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:47