Harrisonburg, "The Friendly City," is located in Virginia's Central Shenandoah Valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Harrisonburg has been a First-Class City since 1990. Home of James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University, the city was settled in 1778 when Thomas Harrison claimed 12,090 acres which is today's Rockingham County. The City was recognized in 1780 as "Rocktown," and over the years many people of English, Scotch-Irish, and German origins made their way to Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg grew over the 19th and 20th Centuries, annexing its surrounding areas. Harrisonburg is deemed "A City with a Planned Future," as it successfully implements planned government. Referenced http://www.ci.harrisonburg.va.us for description.
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