History of the Lynchburg Virginia Area

Lynchburg and the surrounding area is rich in history and is the ideal place for a history buff to spend time visiting the places that shaped American History. 

• The Civil War ended in our backyard at Appomattox Court House
• Patrick Henry’s home is near by
• Thomas Jefferson’s summer home, Poplar Forest is here
• Visit Monument Terrace and The National D-Day Memorial which are monuments to those fallen heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 
• Each June the James River Batteau Festival is held to celebrate the boats that brought commerce to our area in the 1800’s. 
• Our newly renovated museum in the Old City Courthouse at the top of 9th Street is filled with artifacts of yesteryear and is a must see. 
• The Legacy Museum celebrates the contributions made by African Americans.

Also near Lynchburg's central downtown area is the home of internationally-known black poet Anne Spencer. The late poet who wrote during the Harlem Renaissance period of the 1920's, did her reading and writing in the garden house built by her husband in the couple's backyard. That cottage, "Edankraal", is filled with many of the poet's artifacts, memorabilia and gifts.  Admission fees apply.

In nearby Appomattox is the scene of the Civil War's historic denouement at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.  On Palm Sunday, 1865 General R. E. Lee surrendered to Lt. General U. S. Grant in the McLean house signaling the end of the Southern States' attempt to create a separate nation. The surrender set the stage for the emergence of an expanded and more powerful Federal government. In a sense the struggle between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, in Philadelphia, over how much power the central government would hold had finally been settled. The end of the war led directly to the adoption of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the Constitution – ending slavery, providing citizenship and male suffrage.  Admission fees apply.

Travel back in time to an era when Lynchburg, Virginia was the center of the trade route between East and West. The James River Batteau is a flat bottomed boat which was used to transport tobacco and other products from areas of Central Virginia to Richmond during the late 1700's. The boats were generally from 6-8 feet wide, 40-50 feet long and were constructed of white oak and other wood native to Virginia. For the past 20 years the James River Batteau Festival has been held in June to celebrate these boats and the important role they played in Virginia history. 

Located in Bedford, the town suffering the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation, the National D-Day Memorial pays tribute to the Allied Forces participating in the largest land, sea, and air operation in history: the invasion of Normandy, June 6, 1944.

This 9-acre complex features a lush English Garden, haunting invasion tableau with statuary and stylized landing scene, and the striking Victory Arch, serving as a powerful permanent tribute to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of D-Day service men and women. Open daily from 10AM-5PM (Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Inclement weather closings possible). Admission fees apply.

The Legacy Museum is located at 403 Monroe Street in a restored Victorian Home of the 1800’s.  It offers rotating exhibitions and programs on all aspects of local African American history and culture from the first arrival of Africans in Central Virginia until present day.  It’s purpose is to document the rich social and cultural history of African Americans in Lynchburg and the four surrounding counties—Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell—The Legacy Museum collects and displays precious artifacts that would otherwise be lost to public view.  Lynchburg is rich in history and it comes alive in the newly renovated museum.  Admission fees apply.

The Lynchburg Museum shares stories about the people and fascinating events that shaped Central Virginia and exhibits treasures of all kinds.  Located downtown in the Old City Courthouse at 901 Court Street at the top of Monument Terrace.  Admission fees apply.

Monument Terrace utilizes the landings of this 139 step staircase to commemorate the Lynchburg citizens who fought and died in the Civil War, Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam. At the base on Church Street stands a "doughboy" and commemorative statues and markers continue to the top at Court Street.  Located between Grace and Court Streets at 9th Street this is a moving tribute to Lynchburg’s fallen heroes. 

The Old City Cemetery, 401 Taylor Street, is a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1806, it is the final resting place for as many as 25,000 diverse citizens, including seven early mayors of the city, five Revolutionary War soldiers, many prominent African-American citizens, and includes three Potter's Fields for the city's indigent.

It also includes a Confederate Section where 2,201 Confederate soldiers from 14 states are interred. Close by is the Pest House Medical Museum, a two-room building moved into the cemetery in 1985, which includes the furnishings and artifacts of Dr. John Jay Terrell who practiced medicine in the area in the late 1800s. Also included in the museum is a re-creation of conditions in the wretched House of Pestilence, or quarantine hospital, during the Civil War.

On nearby Cabell Street stands the majestic Point of Honor, so named because of the duels once fought on its lawns. Point of Honor was built by Dr. George Cabell, Sr., personal physician to Patrick Henry. This fine example of Federal architecture is operated and maintained by the city museum system. It contains appropriate period furnishings and is the site of special events during the year.  Admission fees apply.

One of Lynchburg's most famous visitors and sometime resident was Thomas Jefferson, who built his retreat, Poplar Forest, just outside the city in the early 19th century. Jefferson would leave Monticello to seek quietude at Poplar Forest which now is open to the public for tours, mid March--mid December.

In the summer of 1989, archaeological digging began on the property as researchers continue to study the life of one the nation's most brilliant minds.  Note: also see Drawings and Plans of Poplar Forest

Stroll along quiet paths at Red Hill.  Gaze over Henry’s fields and forests virtually unchanged since the 18th century.  Visit the place that embodied Patrick Henry’s values of virtue, independence and family.  See Patrick Henry’s reconstructed House, Blacksmith Shop and or other outbuildings as well as rare family artifacts.  The site is quite large and could take the better part of the day to view.  His plantation house was a simple 1 ½ story home that was built about 1770.  Admission fees apply.

Elsewhere in Lynchburg stands the Sandusky House, another of the few remaining landmarks directly linking Lynchburg with the Civil War, and another reminder of a battle that could have brought disaster to the thriving tobacco town.  Sandusky, Major George Christian Hutter's "beautiful home," may well be Lynchburg's most historic house. One of the earliest and loveliest examples of formal Federal style architecture in the Piedmont, it is also the preeminent site associated with the Civil War Battle of Lynchburg.  Admission fees apply.