Harrisonburg Downtown Historic District

Harrisonburg Downtown Historic District is a neighborhood of buildings from various periods centered around the Rockingham County Courthouse and Court Square. It contains commercial and institutional structures primarily built in the Greek Revival style.

The district began in 1779 when Court Square was established, marking the start of a growing settlement. Over the next almost 200 years, around 164 structures were built, showing the economic and social development of the region.

The neighborhood takes its name from Thomas Harrison, whose family founded the town and whose limestone house still stands in the district. Visitors can see how the historic buildings reflect the character of this area and reveal who lived and worked here.

The district extends between Kratzer Avenue and Grace Street, with areas like Old South High Street being especially noteworthy. Walking through on foot is the best way to explore the buildings and view their architecture up close.

The P. Bradley & Sons foundry, established in 1856, was known for manufacturing high-quality plows that sold far beyond the local region. This industrial heritage shows that this town was not only an administrative center but also an important production hub.