Rockingham County Courthouse

Rockingham County Courthouse is a three-story stone building with a prominent clock tower and rusticated ashlar walls that rise from a raised basement. The structure features triple-arched porticos on three sides that serve as the primary architectural detail.

The building was designed in 1896 by architect T.J. Collins and stands as the fifth courthouse structure at this site since Rockingham County was formed from Augusta County in 1778. The design drew inspiration from an 1892 federal courthouse in Wilmington, Delaware, but was adapted specifically for this location.

The building sits at the heart of Court Square, embodying the traditional role of courthouses in Virginia's county administration. It anchors the plaza and shows how judicial structures have shaped the civic identity of Harrisonburg.

The building remains in active use as a courthouse and is open for visitors on weekdays to explore its public areas and courtroom. The downtown location is easily walkable and offers nearby parking for those who drive.

The design borrowed from a federal courthouse in Delaware but was modified with its distinctive triple-arched porticos on three sides to suit Harrisonburg's needs. This adaptation shows how court architecture in the late 1800s was adapted from successful designs built elsewhere.

Location: Harrisonburg

GPS coordinates: 38.44944,-78.86944

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:13