Lynchburg - Virginia - Culture

Cradled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in Virginia's heartland is Lynchburg, a city that is a gracious blend of past and present.

Founded by a Quaker named John Lynch in 1786, Lynchburg grew into a major trade center, thanks to its proximity to the James River. Riverboats called bateaux were used to transport tobacco and other goods from Central Virginia to Richmond.

Because of its central location in the state, Lynchburg became a stopping off place for travellers, and during the American Revolution and the Civil War, the city played an important role.

Lynchburg became one of the wealthiest cities per capita in the nation because of its bustling tobacco trade. Remnants of this golden age can be seen in the grand architecture in some of the city's original neighbourhoods such as Diamond Hill, Garland Hill, Daniel's Hill and Federal Hill.

During one of his visits to Lynchburg, Jefferson stopped at the Miller-Claytor House where he is said to have bitten into a tomato, also known as a "love apple" and believed to be poisonous.

On nearby Cabell Street stands the majestic Point of Honour, so named because of the duels once fought on its lawns. Point of Honour was built by Dr. George Cabell, Sr., personal physician to Patrick Henry. This fine example of Federal architecture is operated and maintained by the city museum system. It contains appropriate period furnishings and is the site of special events during the year.

Also a city with a strong cultural heritage, Lynchburg, today, is home to the Virginia School of the Arts, boasts a Fine Arts Center, a symphony orchestra and is home to five colleges, all of which offer varied arts programs. Often called the City of Churches, Lynchburg is home to more than 121 churches, from the tiny Quaker Meeting House where the city's founder and his family worshipped, to the sprawling complex that is Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Lynchburg is where the internationally known running event, the Virginia Ten-Miler, is run each September during the city wide Kaleidoscope Festival, and is home to the Lynchburg Hillcats minor league baseball team.

Lynchburg's Community Market, one of the oldest continually operated markets in the state and the largest heated and enclosed facility of its kind in Virginia, sponsors a special event almost every month. Events range from craft shows to garden shows and food festivals.

Lynchburg - it's truly the "heart" of Virginia.