Martinsville Historic District (Boundary Increase)

Martinsville's historic core covers about 45 acres around the Henry County Courthouse, extending east and west along Church, Main and Fayette streets. Of its 119 buildings, one site and four objects, 98 contribute to the district's character. The county seat was established in 1791, and the area grew after the railroads arrived, as tobacco, textile and furniture industries took hold. Most buildings date from 1920 to 1948 and include hotels, banks, department stores, a Masonic Temple, a post office, a church, warehouses, gas stations and auto showrooms. Styles range from Greek Revival and Romanesque Revival to Classical Revival, Colonial Revival and Art Deco. Notable buildings include the 1891 People's Bank, the 1925 First National Bank and the 1927 Thomas Jefferson Hotel. Although many ground-floor storefronts have been altered, most upper floors retain a high level of integrity. The district remains the city's retail, professional and government center.