Constructed in 1795 of native limestone, the Shenandoah County Historic Courthouse is the oldest working courthouse west of the Blue Ridge Mountains in continuous use.
It saw much activity during the Civil War, with troops from both sides in an around the building and leaving their mark with graffiti on interior walls. Some of this graffiti is now visible when touring the museum.
A greek revival addition was built in 1871 that contained a new courtroom and construction in 1886 added clerk's ofices in the Victorian style. The front of the building was altered in 1927 with the addition of columns and a portico. The building's cupola is topped with a weathervane of delicate scrollwork and a figure of uncertain identity even today.
The courthouse served as the center of county government until the early 20th Century. Adjacent to the courthouse, the traditional Lawyer's Row remains though the original buildings are used for other purposes.
The courthouse now serves as a Visitor's Center and Historic Courtroom Museum which is open to the public Thursday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.
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Last Updated: 02/01/2017
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600 North Main St. Suite 101
Woodstock, VA 22664
