Lynchburg

Lynchburg is an independent city on the James River in Virginia, where the water flows through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Streets rise from the riverbank to the hills, and bridges connect both shores.

The ferry operation began in 1757 and made the spot a crossing point for travelers moving through the river valley. The official town charter came in 1805 after enough merchants and craftsmen had settled nearby.

The name comes from John Lynch, the 18th-century ferryman whose crossing led to the settlement's founding. In the downtown streets, brick and timber buildings now serve as shops, offices and restaurants.

The downtown area is compact and walkable, while outer neighborhoods spread wider and usually require a car. Parks and public spaces sit along the riverfront and across the hills.

During the Civil War, the city remained uncaptured despite its strategic importance and several attacks. Today, monuments and remnants of old fortifications recall that period, but the city has long since moved on.

Location: Virginia

Inception: 1786

Founders: John Lynch

Elevation above the sea: 192 m

Shares border with: Amherst County, Campbell County, Bedford County

Website: http://lynchburgva.gov

GPS coordinates: 37.40367,-79.17020

Latest update: December 4, 2025 14:20