Fifth Street Historic District

Fifth Street Historic District is a collection of 57 buildings and 1 object spread across a one-mile stretch between two bridges in Lynchburg. The buildings represent different styles from Federal and Art Deco to Colonial Revival and modern design, dating from 1875 to 1940.

The district took shape after the Civil War as a growing center of commerce and became a thriving business hub for African Americans. Many companies, including tobacco warehouses and hotels, settled along this transportation corridor and shaped the area's character.

The buildings show different architectural styles that reflect how the neighborhood developed and changed over time. Walking through the district, you can see how tastes and construction methods evolved across different decades.

The main intersection at Fifth and Federal Streets features a roundabout with pedestrian plazas that makes navigation easier. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes to explore the stretch between the two bridges at their own pace.

Some of the oldest buildings, such as the Kentucky Hotel and the Western Hotel, date back to the 1870s and 1880s and show the earliest phase of development. These structures give visitors a window into the architectural choices and business priorities of that era.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 37.41500,-79.14970

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:48