Local History

Grayson County, Virginia has an incredibly rich history and many interesting sites to explore. Whether it’s historic architecture, farms, or the beautiful 1908 Courthouse, there is a diverse and extensive past to discover!

Grayson County History

  • Grayson County, named for William Grayson, one of Virginia’s first two senators, was formed in 1793.
  • By 1802, over 100 families had settled in Grayson – Independence was made the county seat.
  • The first courthouse was built in Independence and served until 1904, when it was condemned.
  • A new courthouse was completed by builder E.L. Robbins in 1908. Today, the Historic 1908 Courthouse functions as the art and cultural center of Grayson County.
  • Rich with history, Grayson County is proud to have a wealth of information, data, and photographs for genealogic and historic research.