Buena Vista, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Old Court House
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2016
1. Old Court House Marker
This building erected in 1889, by the Buena Vista Company, was the land office of the company until the collapse of the real estate boom.
On September 13, 1894, the company sold the building to the city of Buena Vista. It served as the court house until the city vacated it on March 23, 1970, and moved the city offices to the new municipal building.
Through the efforts of civic organizations and many dedicated individuals, The Old Court House, preserved and restored, stands today, an integral part of the community life, and a memorial to the pioneer citizens of Buena Vista.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 23, 1970.
Location. 37° 44.08′ N, 79° 21.241′ W. Marker is in Buena Vista, Virginia. It is on Magnolia Avenue (Business U.S. 501) just north of East 21st Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject court house, just to the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Veterans Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Southern Virginia University (approx. 0.4 miles away); Charlie Manuel (approx. 0.7 miles away); Moomaws Landing (approx. 0.7 miles away); Amherst County / Rockbridge County (approx. 3 miles away); Constitution Forest (approx. 3 miles away); Stonewall Jackson House (approx. 4.4 miles away); Original African American Cemetery (approx. 5½ miles away).
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 5, 2026
2. The Old Court House
Today, the building serves as the Buena Vista Public Library.
Regarding Old Court House. National Register of Historic Places #79003297 and Virginia Landmarks Register #103-0003. The Old Court House today serves as the Buena Vista Public Library.
Also see . . .
1. Old Courthouse. Excerpt:
The former Buena Vista courthouse is a relic of the land boom that took place in the central part of Virginias Shenandoah Valley in 1889-91. The boom, a direct result of the construction of the Norfolk and Western railroad, contributed to the establishment of several new towns, including Buena Vista. The land company that developed Buena Vista gave credence to its activity by building in 1890 a simple but dignified Second Empire-style headquarters. Two years later, when the land boom collapsed, the company sold the building to the town for use as a courthouse and municipal offices.(Submitted on June 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Old Courthouse (Wikipedia). Excerpt:
The Old Courthouse, also known as the Buena Vista Land Company building, is a 2 1/2-story, brick building with a mansard roof in the(Submitted on June 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)Second Empire style. It housed the Treasurer's Office, Mayor's Office, Office of the Clerk of Court, the courtroom Attorney's offices, the telephone exchange, and the local Odd Fellow's Lodge. The local public library has occupied the building since 1971.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 20163. Old Court House Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2016
4. Old Court House
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 5, 2026
5. Virginia Historic Landmark plaque for the Old Court House
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 432 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2. submitted on July 10, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4. submitted on June 13, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 5. submitted on July 10, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
