Museum and Historic Districts of Lynchburg

Five of Lynchburg's seven hills are now historic districts near the river.  Two Baptist Churches spires bookend Court House Hill, where the 139 steps of Monument Terrace lead past a row of war memorials to the steps of the Old City Court House Museum (901 Court Street. 434-847-1459), daily 10 a.m. - 4 .m. $1 pp over 12).  The dome-capped Greek Revival temple was used from 1855-1955 with weights that drop through hollow columns in front.  It was opened in 1976 as a local history museum that is entered through the restored Hustings Courthouse.  Exhibits range from native Monacon tribes to life in Lynchburg during the tobacco boom.

Many of the grand houses on Diamond Hill were built during Lynchburg's golden age near the turn of the 20th century.  Once one of the city's most exclusive neighbors, Diamond Hill embraces a wealth of architectural styles, including Queen Anne and Greek, Gothic and Georgian revival.  Federal Hill to the west was Lynchburg's first residential suburb, filled with Federal-style homes along steep, dead-end streets. Once known as Quality Row as it passed through the Garland Hill district. Madison Avenue is still partially paved in century-old brick.

On the far side of Blackwater Creek rises Daniel's Hill, dominated by the octagonal bay facade of Point of Honor (112 Cabell Street, 434-847-1459, daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., $5 adults, $1 children 6-16). Built in 1815 by Dr. George Cabell, Sr., who treated Patrick Henry and other revolutionary figures, the Federal mansion is named for duels once fought over matters of principle on this bluff above the James.  Among the activities offered are cooking demonstrations given in a reconstructed plantation kitchen. Admission includes a guided tour.

A few blacks farther up the James you'll find the Randolph College(434-947-8000), where some 700 students enjoy one of the best liberal arts colleges in the East. 

The Maier Museum of Art(One Quinlan Street, 434-947-8136 Sept - May, Tues - Sun 1-4 p.m., Free) houses and impressive collection of 19th and 20th century American works, including paintings by Edward Hopper, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O'Keeffe.