Longwood University
More actions
Location
Farmville, Virginia
Founded
1839
Setting
Historic university campus
Visitor resource
Campus map and self-guided tour
Longwood University’s campus brings together the scale and traditions of a small public university with a walkable setting in the center of Farmville. A stroll can take in tree-lined quads, historic buildings and Brock Commons, a landscaped pedestrian space through the middle of campus; downtown shops and restaurants are only steps away.[1]
Founded in 1839 as the Farmville Female Seminary Association, the institution became Longwood College in 1949 and Longwood University in 2002. Visitors can explore on their own using the university’s self-guided walking tour, or check its admissions page for scheduled campus tours and current visit options.[2][3][4]
Plan a trip to Longwood University
Why visit Longwood University?
Longwood is worth a visit for the campus itself: a compact, walkable place with a strong sense of collegiate architecture and a direct connection to Farmville’s civic and cultural life. Brock Commons replaced a street through the campus with a landscaped pedestrian promenade, making it a natural route for a relaxed walk between buildings and lawns.[5]
The university’s history also reaches beyond the campus gates. Longwood’s official history describes Farmville’s connection to the final days of the Civil War and to the student-led protest at nearby Moton High School that became part of the struggle against school segregation. The nearby High Bridge Trail and Robert Russa Moton Museum offer ways to explore those stories further.[6]
Start here
Begin with Brock Commons, the landscaped pedestrian spine through the heart of campus. From there, follow the official self-guided tour or use the campus map to choose a route past the Rotunda, Greenwood Library, Stubbs Lawn and other campus landmarks. The tour’s stops explain the university’s spaces and student traditions, while the map helps orient you across campus.[7][8]
If you are visiting as a prospective student, check Longwood’s admissions page before setting out: guided visits and events are scheduled options, and availability can change. General campus visitors should also check parking instructions before arrival.[9][10]
What to see and do
Take in the landscaped promenade that replaced a street through the center of campus. It is a good starting point for seeing the university’s buildings and open spaces on foot.
Pair a campus walk with Farmville’s downtown shops, restaurants and local history. The university describes downtown as a short walk from the main campus.
For a longer outing beyond the campus, head for the rail-trail that crosses Farmville and connects to the area’s Civil War history. Check the trail page for route and access details.
Learn about the student-led 1951 protest at Robert Russa Moton High School and its place in the history of school desegregation.
Longwood’s art collection appears in galleries and other spaces across campus. The university’s art center lists on-campus galleries and information about its art-on-campus program.
History and significance
Longwood traces its beginnings to 1839, when it was established as the Farmville Female Seminary Association. Over time, the institution changed its name and mission: it became Longwood College in 1949, began admitting men as a coeducational institution in 1976, and adopted the name Longwood University in 2002.[11]
The campus has evolved alongside the town. Longwood identifies Brock Commons, opened in 2004, as a defining change to its central grounds: landscaping and pedestrian space replaced the street that had run through campus. Today, the university’s history and architecture sit close to Farmville’s downtown, making campus a useful starting point for exploring the wider community.[12]
Planning a visit
Longwood’s campus is at 201 High Street in Farmville. The university provides a campus map and directions, along with a self-guided walking tour that visitors can use to explore at their own pace. Guided visits for prospective students are arranged through Admissions; check its current schedule and registration details before traveling.[13][14][15]
Parking rules and designated visitor areas can vary by purpose and day. Longwood’s parking FAQ lists visitor options and notes that some spaces are reserved for Admissions visitors; check the current university guidance before arriving. For campus events, confirm event-specific parking instructions as well.[16][17]
Nearby attractions
Farmville
Explore the college town surrounding Longwood, with downtown dining, shops and local history.
High Bridge Trail
Walk or ride a rail-trail that passes through Farmville and over the historic High Bridge.
Robert Russa Moton Museum
Visit a museum interpreting the student protest at Moton High School and the struggle for civil rights in education.
High Bridge Trail State Park
Continue exploring the trail and its landscape through the state park.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ About Us, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ History & Overview, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Virtual Tour of Longwood University, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit Experience, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ History & Overview, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ History & Overview, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Virtual Tour of Longwood University, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Longwood University Campus Map, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit Experience, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Frequently Asked Questions, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ History & Overview, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ History & Overview, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Maps & Directions, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Virtual Tour of Longwood University, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Plan Your Visit Experience, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Frequently Asked Questions, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Parking Services, Longwood University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.