The Neighborhood at a Glance
The smallest of the city's seven hills, Federal Hill is bounded by steep hills near Twelfth Street and valleys near Eighth and Madison Streets. Originally outside the town's limits, Federal Hill could be called Lynchburg's first suburb as homes were being built there before 1819, when it was made part of the town. While the Federal Hill name shows up by 1839, its origin is not known. When the nation was first founded, leaders like George Washington and John Adams were known as “Federalists.” The name may be related to their political party.
John W. Carroll, successful tobacconist, built four Second Empire style homes for family members on Federal Hill in the 1870s.
John W. Carroll
In the 1870s, John Carroll, owner of Lone Jack Tobacco Company, built a home on Harrison Street for himself and three others for his children. All were built in the Second Empire style with mansard roofs.
Lynchburg High School/Frank Roane Elementary, built in 1899. Designed by architect Edward G. Frye, it was one of the largest high schools in Virginia when it opened in 1899.
Lynchburg High School
On Federal Street stands Lynchburg High School, built in 1899. Later used as Frank Roane Elementary School, this large buff brick building is now apartments.
Lucy Mina Norvell Otey founded and operated the Ladies Relief Hospital on Main Street during the Civil War. The hospital’s mortality rate was lower than any other hospital in the city.
Lucy Mina Otey
During the Civil War, seven of Lucy's sons fought for the South, with three of them and her only son-in-law dying. She was a widow by 1861 and founded the Ladies Relief Hospital on Main Street. She and other Lynchburg women had to fight Confederate authorities to be able to open and operate the hospital.