Charlottesville and Albemarle County Courthouse Historic District

Charlottesville and Albemarle County Courthouse Historic District is an area with 269 buildings and one object in downtown Charlottesville, arranged around Court Square and the Albemarle County Courthouse. The district contains a mix of structures from different periods, including commercial buildings, churches, and government offices.

The original courthouse was built in 1803 in Federal style, now forming the north wing of the T-shaped brick building. The district grew over time as more structures were added to serve the city's changing needs.

The courthouse and surrounding buildings show how the city wove together government, commerce, and community life in one place. You see this in how the structures are arranged around the square, creating spaces where people gather for different reasons.

The district covers about 9.9 acres between Park, Water, Saxton, and Main Streets, with many historical structures visible from public walkways. You can explore the area on foot and view the buildings from different angles as you walk through the streets.

The Levy Opera House built in 1851 stands among the district's most notable buildings and represents a piece of 19th-century entertainment history in Virginia. The building is a reminder of when theaters served as centers for local culture.