Nelson County Courthouse

The Nelson County Courthouse is a two-story brick building with stuccoed walls, featuring a rectangular main section and two rear additions from the 1940s. Inside, a large courtroom with a gallery for observers occupies the primary space after being remodeled in the late 1960s.

The building opened in 1810 as the first public structure erected after Nelson County's establishment in 1807. It was designed in the Colonial style, reflecting the architectural preferences of that early period.

The courthouse has long served as a focal point where residents gather for legal matters and community affairs. You can sense how the building embodies the civic life and local identity of Nelson County across generations.

The courthouse is located in Lovingston, accessible from U.S. Route 29, and easy to find in the town center. Keep in mind that it functions as an active courthouse, so regular visitor hours and standard security procedures apply when entering.

The building earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and serves as a key component within the Lovingston Historic District. This recognition highlights its importance as a surviving example of early American courthouse design in Virginia.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 37.75970,-78.85810

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:25