Lynchburg

Located in Central Virginia, Lynchburg is an interesting historical town and serves as a good launching point to see Appotamax Courthouse, Montpelier, and Poplar Forest (separate articles on those are featured in our “Articles” section). If you are driving through the heart of Virginia, this town is worth exploring. Even long ago, Thomas Jefferson, who had a retreat in Poplar Forrest, considered Lynchburg to be the most interesting spot in Virginia.

Lynchburg has nothing to do with lynching – the founder was John Lynch, and the town became legitimate in 1786. John Lynch, and the earliest settlers, were in fact Quakers, and completely against slavery. Their influence is still felt throughout the town even to this day.

Lynchburg is situated on the James River, and around the riverfront is the heart of the town, especially during the James River Batteau Festival, which takes place during a weekend in mid-June. During this event, goods are carted down the river in low slung boats all the way to Richmond, an eight day journey reminiscent of the 18th century primary mode of trade. Lynchburg is also right at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, so this Lynchburg is sometimes referred to as, “The city of seven hills”. Because it is not located in a particular county (it sits at the intersection of four counties), Lynchburg is also referred to as, “as city unto itself”. This city has an impressive amount of higher education facilities at its disposal. Randolph- Macon Woman’s College (featuring the Maier Museum of Art), Lynchburg College, Christ College, Central Virginia Community College, Sweet Briar College, the Virginia University at Lynchburg, and Liberty University, started by Jerry Falwell.

This town has an industrial background, and that is pervasive even today; lip balm was created here, and the tobacco industry flourished in this region, at one point making this town among the wealthiest towns in America. The architecture that arose from this wealth is found throughout the city – there are great examples of Queen Anne, Second Empire, Italianate, Beaux Arts, Georgian Revival, Gothic, and Greek architecture styles make Lynchburg an interesting (if unlikely) place to see such varied time periods in one location.

The town’s architecture and college atmosphere are the main attractions in this town, but the Anne Spencer House and Garden is the home of the highly respected Harlem Renaissance poet. Spencer’s house is charming, and she entertained the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Marian Anderson, and James Weldon Johnson here. Not too far away is the Old City Cemetery, founded in 1806, and strolling through here will help give you an accurate portrayal of the development of Lynchburg. More than 20,000 people are buried here - three quarters of the graveyard rests the bones of Native Americans and slaves, but Confederate soldiers come in a close second. In the Cemetery Center, you can research cemetery records, and learn about 19th century mourning customs.

Elsewhere in the town, you can check out Amazement Square, Virginia’s first complete hands on children’s museum, Lynchburg Museum – which traces the area’s complete history, or catch a show at Cattle Annie’s Restaurant and Entertainment, where national acts appear regularly. There are bed and breakfasts in addition to franchise hotels, and these can be seen in our “Places to Stay” section. Places to eat, including the fabulous Main Street Eatery (it’s anything but ordinary), are located in Lynchburg; you can find more eateries under our “Places to Eat” option on our homepage.




Virginia Tourists Guide - Lynchburg, Virginia