Danville

Danville sits along the Dan River and spreads across an area with residential neighborhoods, commercial streets, and green spaces distributed near the riverbanks. Downtown preserves older brick buildings alongside newer facilities, offering a view of smaller Southern American towns.

The town was founded in the late 18th century and quickly grew into a center for tobacco trade and textile production. In April 1865 the Confederate government fled here and declared the place its capital for a brief period before final surrender.

The River District transforms old warehouses and factory buildings into galleries, studios, and performance spaces that visitors can explore. Many of these spaces open to the public and show how former industrial structures now serve cultural purposes.

Walking around downtown allows visitors to see most points of interest within a short distance. Public buses connect different neighborhoods, though schedules and routes are usually designed for local needs.

The Sutherlin Mansion served as a makeshift government building in April 1865 and now preserves furniture and documents from that period. The structure shows how a private home became the setting for historical decisions when the Confederate leadership issued its final orders here.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1792

Elevation above the sea: 162 m

Shares border with: Pittsylvania County, Caswell County

Website: http://danville-va.gov

GPS coordinates: 36.58799,-79.39167

Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:07