Lynchburg, Virginia

Lynchburg is an independent city located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 65,269. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city of Lynchburg with neighboring Campbell county for statistical purposes. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg is known as the "City of Seven Hills". Appomattox is nearby.

History

First settled in 1757, Lynchburg was named for its founder, John Lynch, who at the age of 17 started a ferry service across the James River in 1757. He was also responsible for Lynchburg's first bridge across the river, which replaced the ferry in 1812.

Related Topics:
1757 - 1812

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Lynchburg was established by charter in 1786 at the site of Lynch's Ferry on the James River. It was a center of commerce and manufacture in the 19th century. Chief industries were tobacco, iron and steel. Transportation facilities included the James River and Kanawha Canal and, later, four railroads.

Related Topics:
1786 - James River - 19th century - Tobacco - Iron - Steel - James River and Kanawha Canal - Railroad

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During the American Civil War, Lynchburg, which served as a Confederate supply base, was approached within one mile by the Union forces of General David Hunter as he drove south from the Shenandoah Valley. Hunter was driven back by the forces of Confederate General Jubal Early on June 18, 1864.

Related Topics:
American Civil War - Union - David Hunter - Shenandoah Valley - Confederate - Jubal Early - June 18 - 1864

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Lynchburg became known in the latter 20th century as the home of televangelist Jerry Falwell, who formed the "Moral Majority" in the early 1980s.

Related Topics:
Televangelist - Jerry Falwell - Moral Majority - 1980

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