Lynchburg History | Lynchburg Historical

The History of Lynchburg, Va

1757

John Lynch, an enterprising 17-year-old, started a ferry service on his land to shuttle people across the James River near the bottom of what is now 9th Street.

American Revolution

Though Lynchburg was not formally recognized as a town just yet, the settlement on the James was a critical asset to the war effort. Batteaux transported munitions, soldiers and supplies from Lynchburg to Richmond and beyond. Learn more about the Revolutionary War era in Central Virginia here.

1786

The Virginia General Assembly recognized Lynch's Ferry as a settlement on 45 acres owned by John Lynch. It had grown considerably since the establishment of the ferry service thanks to a very successful tobacco industry. The James River Company, founded in 1785 to improve transportation between Lynchburg and Richmond, brought considerable growth to the burgeoning community as the James River Batteau became instrumental in navigating the shallow waters of the James.

1791

The Miller-Claytor house is built by tavern keeper John Miller. It's imminent destruction in 1936 led to the creation of the Lynchburg Historical Society, which became the Lynchburg Historical Foundation in 1972. Today, the house stands at the entrance of Riverside Park and is the only remaining 18th century home in the city.

1805

Lynchburg is incorporated as a town by the Virginia General Assembly.

Lynchburg Historical Foundation