Historic Sites
Discover history & heritage in downtown Harrisonburg and along Harrionburg’s Wilderness Road, Virginia’s Heritage Migration Route. Blaze your own trail of discovery along The Wilderness Road, and throughout Harrisonburg, to relive America’s unique history and heritage. Pick up a copy of a self-guided walking tour at the Hardesty-Higgins Visitor Center.
Hardesty-Higgins House
212 S. Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-432-8935
The Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center is a multi-use facility located in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg. Inside on the first floor you will find Visitor Services, Rocktown Gift Shoppe, The Valley Turnpike Museum, The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Civil War Orientation Center and Heritage Bakery & Cafe. Come to learn more about Harrisonburg’s rich historical roots, then stay for a delicious pastry.
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
Visit by appointment only
2065 Reservoir St., Harrisonburg, VA | 540-578-6389
Visitors of the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center will experience a tribute to the legacy of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Visitors can explore “Freedom Trail” markers on the property that include topics to educate on the process and history of the Freedom Trail. Tours will inform visitors about Harriet Tubman’s life and legacy, a local safe house, plantation life, and more.
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Civil War Orientation Center
212 S. Main St. Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-432-8935
Located in the historic Hardesty-Higgins House, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Civil War Orientation Center opened in the fall of 2009. This center informs visitors on the valley’s rich Civil War history. The center also makes it easier for visitors to explore the Civil War sites throughout the area, including Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and parts of southern Page and northern Augusta counties.
Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center
620 Simms Avenue Harrisonburg, VA 22802 | 540-437-9213
The Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center hosts the permanent exhibition that celebrates the life of pioneering African-American educator, Lucy F. Simms, and the school named in her honor. The Lucy F. Simms School was built soon after her death and served African-American students from all over Rockingham County and beyond, between 1938 – 1965. The center spans 150 years of history to tell the history of the school and its place at the heart of local community life.
Rockingham County Courthouse & Springhouse on Court Square
80 Court Square, Harrisonburg VA 22802
Following the First Battle of Winchester on May 25, 1862, Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson utilized this courthouse and its yard as a prison pen to confine about 2,000 Union soldiers. Additionally, soldiers and townsfolk quenched their thirst at the springhouse in the southwestern corner of Court Square. Come explore this historical site located conveniently in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg.
Turner Ashby Monument
1164 Turner Ashby Ln. Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Gen. Turner Ashby, in command of Jackson’s cavalry, was mortally wounded at this site, which is now marked with a monument and a small park. His death in June 6, 1862, immediately preceded the battles of Cross Keys and Port Republic. Visit this free historical site in Harrisonburg.
Woodbine Cemetery
21 Reservoir St, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Located off E. Market Street, this historic cemetery was founded in 1850 by community leaders as a non-denominational, non-profit community cemetery. Among the points of interest are the graves of Joseph White Latimer (Boy Major (VMI) in the Civil War), Confederate General John Robert Jones (Harrisonburg’s only Civil War general), a large square plot of 270 Confederate soldiers’ graves, “Little Arlington” of WWII veterans, as well as family and community mausoleums.
In Rockingham County…
Breneman-Turner Mill
1921 Heritage Center Way, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 | 540-438-1275
This historic landmark was built inca. 1800 on Linville Creek by Abraham Breneman, who migrated from Pennsylvania in 1770. Due to its essential role in grinding grain into flour, hominy, and feed for cattle, the water-powered mill served as a center for community life during pioneer days. The mill is the only pre-Civil War mill remaining in Rockingham County with its original all its grist mill equipment still in place.;D neighbors helped put out fires set to the mill during General Sheridan’s 1864 campaign, the mill was. The mill survived burns from General Sheridan’s 1864 campaign, as neighbors helped put out its fires. Visit this Virginia Historical Landmark to learn more and explore.