Rockingham County, Virginia

19th c Millstone Abraham Lincoln’s Father Alexander Spotswood Discovers the Valley of the Shenandoah Appalachian Trail Battle of Cross Keys Battle of Cross Keys Battle of Cross Keys Battle of Cross Keys Battle of Cross Keys Battle of Cross Keys Battle of Cross Keys Battle of Cross Keys Battle of Cross Keys Battle of Cross Keys Battle of Port Republic Baxter House Big Run Watershed Breneman-Turner Mill Bridgewater Bridgewater College Bridgewater College Cavalry Engagement Civil War Tourism Attraction Civilian Conservation Corps Civilian Conservation Corps Commemorating the Second Timberville Community School Contentment Cross Keys Battlefield Daniel Bowman Mill at Silver Lake Dayton Death of Lt. Meigs Dr. Jessee Bennett Edom United Methodist Church Elder John Kline Monument Famous Travelers Along the Turnpike First Church in Rockingham County First Mennonite Meeting House in Virginia First Settler Fort Harrison George Chrisman House Jennings House Joseph Funk Knights of the Golden Horseshoe Kyles Mill House Lacey Spring Lincoln's Virginia Ancestors Long's Chapel and Zenda Lt. Col. Thomas F. Wildes Madison Hall Mannheim McGaheysville Store Melrose Caverns Mill Creek Church Miller-Argabright-Cover-Kite House Minnich's Store Nature Without Us, For Us Newtown (East Elkton) School North River Bridge Old Salem Church Origins of Shenandoah University Palmer Lot at Middle Ford Peaked Mountain Church Pleasure and Joy Port Republic Port Republic Battlefield Port Republic Battlefield Port Republic Foundry Rekindling Nature Rockingham County / Augusta County Rockingham County / Shenandoah County Rockingham County / West Virginia Shenandoah College and Shenandoah Conservatory of Music Shenandoah’s Deer Sheridan's Last Raid Site Where Lt. John Rodgers Meigs Was Killed Skyline Drive The Alexander Mack Memorial Library The Battle of Cross Keys The Frank Kemper House The Point The Timberville Covered Bridge Third Timberville Community School Trissels Mennonite Church Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial WW II Observation Post No. 27 “Sic Juvat Transcendere Montes”
Rockingham County, Virginia has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 18th century. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, the area was explored by European settlers in the early 1700s. The county was officially established in 1778 and named after Charles Watson-Wentworth, the second Marquess of Rockingham and a prominent British statesman.

During the American Revolution, Rockingham County played a significant role in the fight for independence. Many of its residents were supporters of the cause and actively participated in various military campaigns. Following the war, the county experienced rapid growth and development, with agriculture becoming a key economic driver. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it ideal for farming, and crops such as wheat, corn, and tobacco became important commodities.

In the early 19th century, Rockingham County saw the rise of industry. Mills and factories were established along the Shenandoah River, harnessing its water power to drive machinery. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s further stimulated economic growth, improving transportation and bringing new opportunities for trade and commerce. The county became known for its manufacturing, particularly in the textile, furniture, and iron industries.

In the 20th century, Rockingham County continued to evolve with the changing times. The agricultural sector expanded, with dairy farms and poultry production becoming major contributors to the local economy. The county also experienced suburbanization as the population grew and urban areas expanded. Today, Rockingham County remains a vibrant community, combining its rural roots with modern amenities and industries. It is known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and a strong sense of community.
Brief timeline of the history of Rockingham County, Virginia:

  • 1727 - Rockingham County is established in the Colony of Virginia.
  • 1732 - The first European settlers arrive in the area.
  • 1778 - The town of Harrisonburg is founded as the county seat.
  • 1784 - Rockingham County's first courthouse is built in Harrisonburg.
  • 1812 - Rockingham County becomes part of the newly formed state of Virginia.
  • 1852 - The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad reaches Harrisonburg, boosting economic development.
  • 1862 - Rockingham County sees significant battles and skirmishes during the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - The first public school in Rockingham County opens.
  • 1929 - The Byrd Theatre in Harrisonburg opens, becoming a popular entertainment venue.
  • 1930s - Agriculture, particularly poultry farming, becomes a major industry in Rockingham County.
  • 1962 - Bridgewater College is established in Rockingham County.
  • 1994 - Massanutten Resort, a popular tourist destination, opens in Rockingham County.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Rockingham County, Virginia.