Martinsville, Virginia

Blog

Historical Society to Host Architecture & History of Uptown Martinsville

By: John Phillips, President, Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society

September 7, 2022

History

Historical Society to Host Architecture & History of Uptown Martinsville

The Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society will host its monthly Lecture Series, “Architecture & History of Uptown Martinsville” with Virginia King, on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at 3:00 P.M., at the Historic Henry County Courthouse.

The City of Martinsville incorporated in 1873 and became a city in 1929. The Martinsville Historic District is located in the historic center of Martinsville. Extending east and west along Church, Main, and Fayette streets, this linear district is composed of relatively intact blocks of buildings, including ones that range in date from the early-19th century through the mid-20th century. The approximately 45-acre district counts among its resources 119 buildings. The majority of these buildings were constructed between 1920 and 1948. Aesthetically, the district contains the city's most compact array of architectural styles reflecting the tastes and technologies of nearly every period of its development, including well-preserved examples of Greek Revival, Romanesque Revival, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival, Commercial, International, and Art Deco styles.

King is a life member, past president, and current board member of the Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society. A native of Kansas, she has lived in Martinsville and Henry County for over fifty years. She and her husband, Dr. Mervyn King, are extensively involved in the restoration of Uptown Martinsville and beyond.
John Phillips, Historical Society President, stated, “Virginia is not only extremely knowledgeable on the topic but passionate about sharing the information. You don’t want to miss this one!”

The Sunday Afternoon Lecture series is free, made possible by corporate sponsors, Carter Bank & Trust and the Lester Group. The Historic Henry County Courthouse is fully handicap accessible. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/3186088798296902 for more information.