Most people have heard of or visited cities in the Commonwealth of Virginia like Alexandria, Richmond, Roanoke, and Williamsburg.
But very few know much about Lynchburg, a city bursting with charm and history.
Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River, Lynchburg is known as the "City of Seven Hills" or the "Hill City."
Lynchburg was established by charter in 1786 at the site of Lynch's Ferry on the James River. It became a major hub of commerce and manufacturing in the 19th century, and by the 1850s, Lynchburg was one of the richest towns per capita in the U.S., with tobacco, iron, and steel among its chief industries.
From April 6-10, 1865, Lynchburg served as the Capital of Virginia. A Confederate supply base during the Civil War, it was the site of the Battle of Lynchburg, where the Confederates managed to repulse a Union attempt to capture the city. Moreover, Lynchburg holds the distinction of being the only major city in Virginia not captured by the Union before the end of the American Civil War.
Thomas Jefferson called Lynchburg "the most interesting spot in the state." Perhaps it's for this reason he designed and built Poplar Forest here, an octagonal house that served as his private retreat and in which he enjoyed solitude during and especially after his presidency. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
Other key points of interest in Lynchburg include the Lynchburg Museum, Old City Cemetery, and a slew of parks and restaurants.
Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a charming city to visit, Lynchburg certainly merits consideration.
But very few know much about Lynchburg, a city bursting with charm and history.
Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River, Lynchburg is known as the "City of Seven Hills" or the "Hill City."
Lynchburg was established by charter in 1786 at the site of Lynch's Ferry on the James River. It became a major hub of commerce and manufacturing in the 19th century, and by the 1850s, Lynchburg was one of the richest towns per capita in the U.S., with tobacco, iron, and steel among its chief industries.
From April 6-10, 1865, Lynchburg served as the Capital of Virginia. A Confederate supply base during the Civil War, it was the site of the Battle of Lynchburg, where the Confederates managed to repulse a Union attempt to capture the city. Moreover, Lynchburg holds the distinction of being the only major city in Virginia not captured by the Union before the end of the American Civil War.
Thomas Jefferson called Lynchburg "the most interesting spot in the state." Perhaps it's for this reason he designed and built Poplar Forest here, an octagonal house that served as his private retreat and in which he enjoyed solitude during and especially after his presidency. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
Other key points of interest in Lynchburg include the Lynchburg Museum, Old City Cemetery, and a slew of parks and restaurants.
Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a charming city to visit, Lynchburg certainly merits consideration.
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