The City of Harrisonburg is located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. It is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains on the east and the Allegheny Mountains on the west.
During the Civil War, Harrisonburg played a pivotal role. Prior to war, Harrisonburg was a thriving town. During the war, the city was a route for both the northern and southern troops. The schools and homes served as hospitals to care for the wounded and dying. Even the fence surrounding the courthouse served as a stockade for Union prisoners taken at the Battle of Cross Keys. With Harrisonburg being right in the middle of the conflict, there was great strain because of divided sympathies. The area's representatives to the convention on secession were opposed to Virginia leaving the Union.
Even after the war, the town of Harrisonburg continued to prosper. In 1916, the town was incorporated as an independent city and grew by leaps and bounds. By 1920, the US Census Bureau estimated that 5,875 people resided in the area. By the 1950s, it was known as the "City with a Planned Future" and in 1990 Governor Douglas Wilder declared Harrisonburg a "city of the first class."
Today, the city is a commerce and travel center and is known for its poultry industry. In 1996, the population was approximately 33,800. Harrisonburg also offers wonderful educational opportunities with four institutions of learning (James Madison University, Eastern Mennonite University, Bridgewater College and the Blue Ridge Community College) located in the vicinity. Harrisonburg is a growing city with a diverse population. We pride ourselves in the accomplishments of our citizens and businesses. In recent years increasing efforts have been made toward preserving our history for future generations as well as attracting businesses that will make Harrisonburg a viable competitor in this increasingly high tech world.
© City of Harrisonburg
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