Start your historic tour off by visiting the Lynchburg Museum, settled just behind the crest of Monument Terrace. Located in the old Huston Court building, more than the relics hold a story. Huston Court House is Lynchburg’s second court house, completed in 1855. Its sloping Grecian architecture lends a certain distinguished air to the museum. There are five galleries on the main level and displays on the ground and second floors. Once you've finished your browsing, walk down Monument Terrace itself and take a moment to admire its design and meaning. A path leading off to the right showcases beautiful flowers in a small garden-setting - certainly worth a walk!
 

Noon

Get some lunch at one of Downtown's charming restaurants! Perhaps visit the Galleria, below City Hall and adjoining it, for a delicious treat. Following your lunch, you'll hop back in your car and drive to the Legacy Museum on Monroe Street. The Legacy Museum of African American History collects, preserves, and stores historical artifacts, documents, and memorabilia relating to significant contributions of the African American Community in Lynchburg and its environs. In addition, it offers exhibitions and programs on all aspects of local African American history and culture from the first arrival of Africans in Lynchburg until the present day.

Afternoon

Next, visit Point of Honor on Cabell Street, an old high style Federal mansion built by Dr. George Cabell. Soak in the old, elegant architecture and explore the rooms, then wander out onto the grounds and through the mini-orchard. See how this distinguished Virginia family lived, and get a glimpse into the early 19th century.

Finish off your day with a walk through Lynchburg's Old City Cemetery, a beautiful garden and monument to those who passed on before. Also known as the Old Methodist Cemetery, this registered historic landmark opened in 1806 as a public burying ground. The 26-acre site features more than 2000 historic gravestones, monuments, and ironwork enclosures as well as a Butterfly Garden & Lotus Pond, a garden of 19th-century shrubs and local architectural relics, the Pest House Medical Museum, the Cemetery Center, the Hearse House & Caretakers' Museum, the Station House Museum, and the Confederate Section containing 2200 graves of Civil War soldiers from 14 states. The Cemetery also holds significant African-American history, from slavery to integration. A garden of old roses also adorns the graveyard. Bring a camera along, and be sure to pet the cats! Located on Taylor Street.

Alternatives

Missed one of your stops? Replace it with a walk through Lynchburg's Downtown area! Historic buildings line either side of the street. Take a peek in one of the windows - what you see may surprise you!

We hope you enjoyed your History Day in Lynchburg. Let us know your impressions or ideas for additional locations. Email us.