National Register of Historic Places listings in Harrisonburg, Virginia facts for kids
Welcome to Harrisonburg, Virginia! This city has many special places that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. This register is like a list of buildings, sites, and districts across the United States that are important because of their history, architecture, or what happened there.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a significant part of American history. It also helps protect these places for future generations. In Harrisonburg, there are 13 different properties and areas that are on this list. One place was on the list but has since been removed. Let's explore some of these cool historic spots!
Historic Gems of Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg is full of interesting places that tell stories from the past. These sites are like windows into how people lived, worked, and built their communities long ago.
Homes with History
Some of the oldest and most interesting buildings in Harrisonburg are historic homes. These houses often show us what life was like many years ago.
George Earman House
The George Earman House is located at 109 Pleasant Hill Road. It was added to the National Register on July 15, 1982. This house is a great example of the architecture from its time. It helps us understand how homes were designed and built in Harrisonburg in the past.
Thomas Harrison House
You can find the Thomas Harrison House at 30 West Bruce Street. It joined the National Register on July 26, 1973. This house is named after Thomas Harrison, who was a very important person in the early days of Harrisonburg. He helped found the city!
Anthony Hockman House
The Anthony Hockman House is situated at East Market and Broad Streets. It became a historic listing on July 8, 1982. This house is another example of the beautiful old homes that make Harrisonburg special.
Joshua Wilton House
The Joshua Wilton House is located at 412 South Main Street. It was added to the National Register on May 24, 1979. This grand house is now a popular inn and restaurant, but it still keeps its historic charm. It's a great example of how old buildings can be used today.
Important Public Places
Beyond homes, some public buildings and areas are also historically significant. These places often played a big role in the community's development.
Rockingham County Courthouse
The Rockingham County Courthouse is right in Courthouse Square. It was listed on the National Register on September 16, 1982. Courthouses are very important buildings where laws are made and justice is served. This one has been a central part of Harrisonburg for a long time.
Lucy F. Simms School
The Lucy F. Simms School is at 620 Simms Avenue. It became a historic site on February 11, 2004. This school is named after Lucy F. Simms, a respected educator who taught many generations of students in Harrisonburg. It represents an important part of the city's educational history.
Newtown Cemetery
Newtown Cemetery is roughly bordered by Kelley, Hill, Sterling, and Gay Streets. It was added to the National Register on February 17, 2015. Cemeteries are often historic places because they hold the stories of people who lived in the community long ago.
Historic Districts
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole area! These are called historic districts. They show how a neighborhood or downtown looked and functioned in the past.
Harrisonburg Downtown Historic District
The Harrisonburg Downtown Historic District includes Main Street and nearby areas between Kratzer Avenue and Grace Street. It was listed on January 19, 2005. This district is the heart of Harrisonburg, with many old shops, offices, and buildings that show the city's growth over time.
Old Town Historic District
The Old Town Historic District is roughly bounded by Cantrell Avenue, Ott, Water, and South Main Streets. It joined the National Register on February 14, 2008. This area gives us a glimpse into the older parts of Harrisonburg, with many buildings that have stood for decades.
Other Notable Sites
There are other unique places on the list that tell different parts of Harrisonburg's story.
Whitesel Brothers
The Whitesel Brothers building is at 131 West Grace Street. It was added to the National Register on May 18, 2005. This building likely played a role in the business and industry of Harrisonburg.
Former Listing
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is changed too much or if it is no longer standing.
Morrison House
The Morrison House was once located at West Market and North Liberty Streets. It was listed on September 22, 1971. However, this house was unfortunately demolished in February 1982, so it was removed from the list on September 28, 1982.
