National Register Listing

Brunswick County Courthouse Square

a.k.a. VDHR # 251-0001; Albertis S. Harrison Courthouse

202, 216, 228, 234 North Main St., Lawrenceville, VA
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

law courthouses buildings
The first African American governor in the United States, L. Douglas Wilder, was elected in Virginia in 1989.
Virginia random facts
Brunswick County, Virginia has a rich and diverse history dating back to its establishment in 1720. The county was named after the Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg in Germany, with its original boundaries stretching from the Appomattox River to the North Carolina border. In its early years, Brunswick County played a significant role in the colony's tobacco industry, which heavily influenced its economy and settlement patterns.

During the American Revolution, Brunswick County was a hub of activity. Many residents served in the Continental Army, and the county saw skirmishes and raids from both British and American forces. The Battle of Fort Christanna in 1781 was a crucial engagement fought between local patriot militias and British troops, leaving a lasting impact on the county's history.

In the 19th century, Brunswick County experienced a boom in agriculture with the introduction of new crops such as cotton and peanuts. The county's fertile soil and ideal growing conditions attracted settlers, leading to the expansion of towns and communities. Additionally, the Meherrin River and the construction of the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad contributed to the county's economic growth.

As time progressed, social changes occurred in Brunswick County. The emancipation of enslaved individuals after the Civil War brought significant transformation to the region. The establishment of schools for former slaves, known as Freedmen's Bureau Schools, helped to improve literacy rates and education in the area.

Today, Brunswick County, Virginia is known for its charming small towns, rich historical heritage, and natural beauty. The county remains an agricultural hub, with farming and forestry as important economic sectors. Residents and visitors can explore various historical sites, including Fort Christanna, to learn about the county's past and appreciate the diverse culture that has shaped Brunswick County into what it is today.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Brunswick County, Virginia.

  • 1732 - Brunswick County is established by the Virginia House of Burgesses.
  • 1734 - The county courthouse is built.
  • 1754 - The Battle of Great Creek takes place during the French and Indian War.
  • 1774 - Brunswick County residents participate in the Virginia Association protests against the British Parliament's Coercive Acts.
  • 1781 - During the American Revolutionary War, General Lafayette and British troops pass through Brunswick County.
  • 1828 - The Meherrin River is connected to the Roanoke River by the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad.
  • 1861 - Brunswick County citizens vote to secede from the Union and join the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1916 - The construction of the Lake Gaston Dam begins, forming Lake Gaston.
  • 2004 - Brunswick County wins the Governor's Environmental Excellence Award for its recycling program.