The Museum is housed in Lynchburg’s second court house, completed in the Greek Revival style in 1855.  William Ellison, the designer of the building, borrowed heavily from builders' handbooks of the day which provided detailing from classical structures such as the Parthenon. The fluted Doric columns, pedimented portico, and commanding presence on the hill overlooking the James River evoke the classical concepts of the day. From 1855 onward, the Old Court House was used for a variety of courts: Hustings, Mayors, Circuit, District, Federal, and Juvenile Courts among them. During the Civil War, it was used by the Confederate government for the Quartermaster’s Department, Soldiers’ Aid Society, and the Soldiers’ Library. During Reconstruction, the Old Court House was used as headquarters f... 08/29/2009

 History of Lynchburg Part 6-Federal Hill-History of a Neighborhood "Lynchburg is growing more rapidly than any town I have ever known in any country." So Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1817. He might have added that much of that growth was occurring on a certain hill just to the southwest of the original town limits. In fact, Federal Hill, as it soon came to be called, was Lynchburg's first residential suburb. Two annexations, one in 1814, just prior to Jefferson's observation, the second following in 1819, brought Federal Hill within the town's jurisdiction. The wording of deeds transferring property from the town's founder, John Lynch, to others indicates that annexation of the area had always been intended. Lots had been surveyed "in conformity with the plan of the said town of Lynchburg... 08/24/2009

History of the Garland Hill Historic District The Garland Hill Historic District is a small residential neighborhood located on one of Lynchburg's seven hills. Situated northwest of Fifth Street, the Garland Hill streets of Clay, Madison and Harrison are steeply bounded by Blackwater Creek. Many of Lynchburg's oldest homes are still standing in this neighborhood. The area from Third Street to Blackwater Creek was originally the William B. Lynch Farm. A son of John Lynch, founder of Lynchburg, is said to have had his house at what is now 208 Madison Street. The area between Second and Third Streets on the opposite side was known as Lynch's garden. Stables and servant's quarters were located between First and Second Streets. The only building left from the farm is 619 First Street, built ... 07/24/2009

Historic District Walking Tour By foot or by car, Lynchburg’s seven historic districts are a must see. These prosperous neighborhoods sprang up in Lynchburg during the 19th Century when tobacco tycoons, doctors, and attorneys made Lynchburg the wealthiest city in the nation for its size. The impressive Queen Ann and Federal style mansions offer both an educational experience and unparalleled delight for the lovers of history. A self-guided walking tour brochure is available at the Lynchburg Visitor Information Center.  Historic Sandusky Historic Sandusky, built in 1808, is one of the Lynchburg area's first homes to display the architectural details and refinements characteristic of Federal style mansions. Taken over and used as Union headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg, the hom... 07/23/2009

I love it as the weather gets warmer the downtown area of Lynchburg Va comes to life with people and the colors of the season.  There has been so many local businesses and residents of the historical district that have spent a lot of money to breathe life into the area. 06/29/2009

Downtown Lynchburg Virginia has been in the middle of a revitalization for a while.  Recently though with the influx of new business and arts and entertainment in the area it has been exciting to see the plans come to fruition.  I went downtown yesterday accompanied by my little sister and got caught up in the changes.  It is great to see how care is taken to blend the old with the new.  I've lived in the area now since 1988.  When I first moved here I would not have had the opportunity to take any great pictures nor would there be much to write about. I hope you take sometime to check out what is going on downtown. 04/19/2009