Lynchburg

Sprawling across seven hills along the James River is Lynchburg, tracing its history back to 1727. The town was started as a ferry crossing and developed into a tobacco town; for more than a century tobacco was processed, auctioned and made into cigarettes and tobacco chaws here. During the Civil War it was a major Confederate depot and a burial place for Confederate and Union soldiers killed in battles near here. The historic district comprises several of the main streets; there is a thriving cultural scene with several excellent museums. The Lynchburg Museum/Old Court House was built in 1855 and now houses a very good museum detailing ...

Sprawling across seven hills along the James River is Lynchburg, tracing its history back to 1727. The town was started as a ferry crossing and developed into a tobacco town; for more than a century tobacco was processed, auctioned and made into cigarettes and tobacco chaws here. During the Civil War it was a major Confederate depot and a burial place for Confederate and Union soldiers killed in battles near here. The historic district comprises several of the main streets; there is a thriving cultural scene with several excellent museums. The Lynchburg Museum/Old Court House was built in 1855 and now houses a very good museum detailing the city’s history. The Community Market held here was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson’s and is still a place to purchase beautiful handmade arts and crafts. An hour’s drive North on scenic Route 29 brings you to Charlottesville and Jefferson’s home, Monticello. The Anne Spencer House and Garden was the home of noted African-American poet Anne Bethel Spencer, the first Virginian and the first African-American to have her poetry included in the Norton Anthology of American Poetry. Also worth a visit is Amazement Square-The Rightmire Children’s Museum with hands-on exhibits and activities.

About the Expert

Frances Folsom is the author of CitySpot Palermo, a contributor to the Reiskits guides to Milan and Italy's Lakes Region, and Thomas Cook's Independent Traveller USA.