Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 03/17/1987
NRHP Listing Date 05/14/1987
NRHP Reference Number 87000727
A hometown expression of the American Renaissance, the former Roanoke County Courthouse in Downtown Salem, with its three-story Ionic portico and an eagle-topped cupola, has the classical grandeur and assertiveness inherent in the movement’s most ambitious works. It was designed by H. H. Huggins, a Roanoke architect of ability and remarkable self-confidence, who regularly boasted about the quality and quantity of his works. Following completion in 1910, the local newspaper focused attention on the courthouse clock: “It is not only highly useful in its lofty setting, but is quite ornamental. In size it is commensurate with the new courthouse itself, which adds dignity to the whole square.” The Old Roanoke County Courthouse was built of buff pressed brick, considered a prestige material because it complimented classical stone detailing. The building was purchased by Roanoke College in 1987; an extensive rehabilitation for academic use was completed in 1996.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: January 18, 2022
