Harrisonburg, Virginia, previously known as Rocktown, was named for Thomas Harrison, a son of English settlers. In 1737, Harrison settled in the Shenandoah Valley, eventually laying claim to over 12,000 acres (49 km2). This was situated at the intersection of the Spotswood Trail and the main Native American road through the Valley.
In 1779, Thomas Harrison deeded 2.5 acres (10,000 m2) of his land to the "public good" for the construction of a courthouse. In 1780, Harrison deeded an additional 50 acres (200,000 m2). This is the area now known as "Historic Downtown Harrisonburg."