Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States, located in the Shenandoah Valley in the north-central part of the state. It is the county seat of Rockingham County and the principal city of the Harrisonburg metropolitan area.

The area was settled in the 18th century and developed as an agricultural and trading center along the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. The arrival of the railroad in the 19th century spurred growth, and the city expanded with industries and institutions that followed. Harrisonburg lies at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is part of the broader Shenandoah Valley region.

Education and economy play central roles in the city. Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University, a public university founded in 1908, and Eastern Mennonite University, founded in 1917. The local economy also includes healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. Tourism and outdoor recreation are supported by proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley.

Culture and infrastructure are prominent features of Harrisonburg. The city has a historic downtown district with shops and restaurants and hosts events such as farmers markets and cultural festivals. The population is diverse, with a visible immigrant community contributing to the city’s cultural life and economy.

Transportation access includes regional highways, with nearby Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 11 providing regional connectivity. The Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave offers air service to the area, supporting both travel and commerce.