In 1779 the courthouse of Surry County was established at Richmond on land of Colonel Martin Armstrong and William Sheppard. In 1789, Surry was divided and Stokes was formed from it. When this was done the old courthouse was inconvenient for either county. Therefore, the act dividing the county specified that the court was to be held at the home of Richard Horn until a courthouse, prison and stocks could be erected at a central place.

Another act passed that year directed the old courthouse to be sold and the money be equally divided between Surry and Stokes. the proceeds to be used on their respective courthouses. In 1790, Rockford was established on fifty-three acres of land deeded by Thomas and Moses Ayres for that purpose. Commissioners were named to erect public buildings. Apparently, Richmond soon faded away.