Must-See Historical Sites in and Around Lynchburg

When you look around Lynchburg, you may take in the views of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains or the mighty James River or even the iconic hillside cityscape. But look closer and you’ll see a world of history is surrounding you—and it’s yours to explore.

Here’s what awaits you on a historical trip in and around Lynchburg, Virginia. 

SITES IN LYNCHBURG

Anne Spencer House

Anne Spencer was an internationally-acclaimed Black American poet during the Harlem Renaissance. Her home and gardens on Pierce Street served as one of her reservoirs of inspiration for her work. Her gardens are free to tour, and you can book a reservation to tour her home.

Fort Early

This Civil War fort stood on the outskirts of Lynchburg, under the command of Lt. General Jubal Early. His troops successfully held off the Union army during the Battle of Lynchburg. The grounds of Fort Early are open year-round.

Historic Sandusky

One of the first Federal-style homes in Lynchburg during the early 19th century, this home was invaded by Union troops during the Battle of Lynchburg. Tours of this historic, local home are available.

Battle of Lynchburg Driving Tour

During June 17-18, 1864, the Civil War moved onto the City of Lynchburg, leaving behind eight significant sites. Take an audio driving tour to trace the history. 

Legacy Museum of African American History

The museum is committed to collecting, preserving, and storing historical artifacts, as well as documents and memorabilia relating to significant contributions of the African American community in Lynchburg and beyond.

Miller Claytor House

Did you know it’s rumored that while in this home, Thomas Jefferson ate a tomato from the garden to show a child that “love apples” were not poisonous? The Miller Claytor House is Lynchburg’s last remaining townhouse from the 18th century and is available to explore at Riverside Park.

Old City Cemetery

Listed as a Virginia Historic Landmark, Old City Cemetery was established in 1806 and is an extraordinary 27-acre public garden, “history park,” and the oldest municipal cemetery in Virginia still in use today. Five small museums help tell the stories of the diverse population of nearly 20,000 buried here.

Lynchburg Museum

Get a glimpse of the 200+ years of history of our great city. Housed in the historic Old Court House, this museum covers the prominent figures and events that helped build the City of Lynchburg.

Point of Honor

This home that sits overlooking the James River on Cabell Street was first owned by Dr. George Cabell, a friend of Thomas Jefferson and physician to Patrick Henry. Since then, the home has been owned by seven famous local families. The home is available for tours.

Maier Museum of Art

This American art museum sits on the campus of Randolph College and holds a distinguished collection of American Impressionism and early 20th-century Realism pieces. The university was chosen to be the confidential storage facility for the National Gallery of art in case of an emergency.

South River Meeting House

The grounds of Lynchburg were first pioneered by Quakers in the 1750s. They established the South River Meeting House in 1791, which is available for self-guided tours.

SITES NEAR LYNCHBURG

Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest

When the famed Monticello turned from home into a 19-century tourist attraction, Thomas Jefferson built Poplar Forest to become his own private retreat where he could read, write and spend time with his family. This National Historic Landmark is only a few miles from Downtown Lynchburg and is available for tours.

American Civil War Museum

The American Civil War Museum in Appomattox allows you to explore the lives of Confederate soldiers, enslaved and free Black Americans, and civilians. The museum also contains significant time-period artifacts, like the sword and uniform Robert E. Lee wore when the Confederacy surrendered to the Union at Appomattox Court House.

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

The Civil War, one of the most trying times for Americans in history, ended at the Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, just 25 miles away from Lynchburg. Today, you can tour this National Historic Landmark and walk the same grounds as Generals Grant and Lee.

National D-Day Memorial

Located 28 miles from Lynchburg in Bedford, the National D-Day Memorial commemorates the sacrifice and courage of the World War II American soldiers during the storming of Normandy Beach on June 6, 1944.

Avoca Museum

When you visit Avoca Museum, you'll discover the history of this Altavista property, once the private residence of Colonel Charles Lynch. But you'll also go back further, from when the Saponi people lived on the land, and travel up to when the country Victorian home was constructed in 1901 and its restoration in the late 20th century.