About

This historic structure, owned by the County of Fluvanna, is significant across Virginia and the nation as the first of the model-setting Jefferson-inspired classical courthouses to use a Greek order for its columns, thus serving as a new model itself. The courthouse retains many of its fittings, as well as its form, without additions, making it unusual in its integrity for its early era. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the centerpiece of a charming historic district.

In 1828, Fluvanna citizens voted to move the county seat to the Village of Palmyra from its previous location on the south side of the Rivanna River at Napier's Ford. The Reverend Walker Timberlake, who owned the entire village and operated the mill at the heart of the community, donated four acres of land for the county buildings.

The courthouse was designed by General John Hartwell Cocke of Bremo. He and Reverend Timberlake were awarded the contract to erect the courthouse in 1830. Enslaved stone and brick masons Charles Moss and, likely, Peyton Skipwith, among other craftsmen enslaved by Cocke at Bremo, constructed what has since been dubbed the "Acropolis of Palmyra."

Today the courthouse is used for community civic meetings, lectures, and historical tours. It is part of the National Historic Landmark District of Palmyra Court Square.

Email the Fluvanna Historical Society at fluvannahistory@gmail.com or call 434.589.7910 to schedule a tour.