Lynchburg Area
Today's community of some 70,000 people grew from a ferry landing into a town and by 1852, a city. As this region of Virginia became increasingly settled, tobacco was the money crop that fueled canals, railroads, and magnificent architecture that spans four centuries. Lynchburg was the second wealthiest city per capita in the nation just before the Civil War, second only to New Bedford, Massachusetts with its whaling industry.

During the Civil War, Lynchburg was a major Confederate hospital center, transportation hub, and supply base. While the Battle of Lynchburg in 1864 was not a major conflict, the Confederate victory kept the Union forces from destroying the City, preserving many sites for visitors to enjoy today. Although the City’s economy was devastated by the Civil War, tobacco, railroads, and manufacturing brought Lynchburg back quickly into one of the thriving industrial communities of the “New South.” Since then, the City has become home to five colleges and universities, is a leading health care center, and has seen its economy move from smoke and smokestacks to technology, education, and services.

The Lynchburg Museum shares stories about the people and fascinating events that have shaped Central Virginia and exhibits treasures of all kinds—silver and furniture made in Lynchburg, fine art, antique toys, Civil War memorabilia, sports, artifacts from the civil rights era, aviation, music, and much more!

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