City of Lynchburg

What defines any metropolitan area is its city. Among American cities, Lynchburg is a grand old dame. Its history began on the banks of the James River when John Lynch started a ferry service to improve trade. In 1786, John was given a charter by the General Assembly of Virginia to create the Town of Lynchburg. By the late 1800s, its inhabitants had the second highest income per person in the country—Greenwich, Connecticut, was number one. Through annexation, Lynchburg’s size has grown to forty-nine square miles and 68,000 residents.

Lynchburg epitomizes the natural beauty of the region. Early architects modified designs associated with the early Tidewater region of Virginia—the coastal flat land—for the hilly topography of this area. They built homes and churches on Lynchburg’s historic “seven hills” in an artful manner that complemented and often accentuated the city’s rolling terrain. Since the Lynchburg Bicentennial of 1986, a great deal of effort has been placed on preserving and promoting the city’s architectural legacy. George Stewart, president of First Colony Insurance (now Genworth Financial), made a bold business move, enlarging the company’s downtown corporate headquarters and personally investing in the historic homes he wanted saved. The Lynchburg Historical Foundation, spurred by the 1976 US Bicentennial, found increased interest among young homeowners willing to restore 19th-century houses and revitalize downtown neighborhoods. A 1986 Lynchburg Bicentennial Preservation Committee was also created to evaluate the long-term redevelopment of historic Lynchburg. Several key improvements came about because of a redevelopment plan created by architect Hal Craddock: Amazement Square Children’s Museum (The Old J. W. Wood Building) was developed through efforts of the Lynchburg Junior League; Riverviews Artspace - originally built by Craddock-Terry Shoes - was developed through the leadership of artists and a past City Councilwoman; James River Fountain, - by local business people; and the Craddock Terry Hotel, through a limited partnership. After thirty years of community work, Lynchburg was awarded the 2006 Great American Main Street Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Once, when discussing the landscape of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson boasted to a friend in England, “Our own country . . . is made on an improved plan. Europe is a first idea, a crude production, before the [M]aker knew his trade.” Jefferson had the ability to describe the land and envision its potential, but it was local citizens who gradually transformed their surroundings into the beautiful countryside early Virginians could only imagine. And the effort continues. Recently, several awards have been given to local environmental groups. In 2006, the Tree Stewards of Greater Lynchburg were given the Gold Leaf Award from the International Society of Arboriculture for Outstanding Landscape Beautification Activities and, in 1999, the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts awarded them the Urban Forestry Award for Outstanding Conservation Accomplishments in the Areas of Arboreal and Horticultural Resources. For twenty-five years Lynchburg has received the Tree City USA designation from the National Arbor Day Foundation. LEAF, the Lynchburg Expressway Appearance Fund, has won local, state, and international awards including: Keep America Beautiful, Garden Club of Virginia, Virginia Region 2000 Business Award, International Society of Arboriculture Gold Leaf Award, and National Arbor Day Foundation’s Lady Bird Johnson Award. Because treescapes have become a major investment within our community, caring for them is specialized. The Lynchburg Virginia Department of Transportation District has been a leader in the care of its trees and won the 2003 and 2004 Scenic Virginia Award for Best Implementation of Tree Trimming.

Did you know that there is one common ingredient for promoting healthy eating and regular exercise? It is presentation. People are more likely to try something new if it’s presented in an appealing manner. In 2006, Rails-to-Trails chose Lynchburg’s Blackwater Creek Bike and Walking Trail as one of five trails to participate in the Dasani Blue Bikes Program. The nine-mile path meanders along Blackwater Creek, through a tunnel, into historic downtown Lynchburg, crosses the James River, and ends in Amherst County, giving local citizens the opportunity to exercise in a natural gym. Talks are underway to extend this route to the James River State Park in Buckingham County and possibly to Richmond.

Along Candler’s Mountain border sits the 5000-acre Liberty University. Started with a vision, it is now known as the fastest growing Christian college in the nation. Its setting offers a great opportunity to combine God’s creation with a network of over thirty miles of hiking and biking trails. Current plans for the university include making the mountains a showcase for biking, hiking, and prayer.

Lynchburg is lucky to have three more colleges, Randolph College, Lynchburg College, and Central Virginia Community College.

Lynchburg has a large variety of local and nationally run restaurants. Many feel that you haven’t eaten in Lynchburg until you’ve eaten “a bowl” (chili) and a “Cheesy Western all the way” at the downtown Texas Tavern, better known as the “T Room.” Downtown has a great mix of restaurants: Dish, Depot Grill, Main Street Eatery, and Shoemaker’s. A local favorite for Randolph College and Rivermont Avenue residents is The Cavalier. Located along Boonsboro Road you will find Milano’s, Meriwether’s, and Mountain Frost Creamery’s homemade ice-cream. Near Lynchburg College there are Daddy Bim’s Barbecue, Grace, Kings Island, Isabella’s, Monte Carlo, and Harbor Inn. Within the Fort Avenue and Liberty University area you will find most of Lynchburg’s major shopping centers, national restaurant chains, and Milan Indian Restaurant—a great buffet with food that competes with larger-city fare. La Caretta, a Mexican restaurant, started here and now has several newer locations scattered around town. Finally, the Timberlake area offers three distinct restaurants: Weenie Stand #2—one of the last counter dinners and known for a great hotdog, West End Deli—known for its great array of sandwiches, and the Crown Sterling—with over thirty-five years of experience, it serves the best rib-eye in town.