The home served as Lynchburg’s first hospital and dates back to the early 1800s. The name Pest House is short for Pestilence House. Pest House Medical Museum is located in the Old Cemetery. You can also book a guided tour by appointment, which can include a Civil War history tour, African American history tour, a horticulture tour, and more. The Old City Cemetery is also a popular wedding venue and it hosts regular events, such as concerts, Wine & Roses Garden Parties, and Evening Roses Tours. The property features 27 acres of gardens that include over 600 trees and the largest collection of antique roses in Virginia. The cemetery is actually the oldest municipal cemetery in Virginia still in use and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Legacy Museum of African American History is dedicated to celebrating the history, heritage, and culture of African Americans in Lynchburg and the surrounding areas. Legacy Museum of African American History

You can also book a guided tour by appointment to learn more about the history of the place. The cemetery itself is a beautiful and tranquil setting that is open to the public. The twin tower metallic statues are located in the historic Presbyterian Cemetery in Lynchburg. The Presbyterian Cemetery Twin Towers Memorial is a special tribute to those who lost their lives on 9/11. Presbyterian Cemetery Twin Towers Memorial Please note that guided tours of the home are only available by appointment, or you can take a self-guided tour of the outside grounds.Īrchaeological excavations continue to take place on the property and have unearthed Civil War artifacts such as artillery shells, letters, photographs, and more.

The home has been restored to its condition during the years 1850 to 1870. Source: City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism However, fewer people probably know that the founding father has a personal retreat in Lynchburg, called Poplar Forest.

Many people have probably visited Thomas Jefferson’s primary residence, Monticello, in Charlottesville. Whether you want to learn more about the rich history of Lynchburg and the surrounding region, go skiing in the summer, or discover Thomas Jefferson’s private retreat, Lynchburg has something for just about everyone.īelow are some of my top recommendations for the best things to do in Lynchburg. (Top photo courtesy Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest.) It’s about 68 miles southwest of Charlottesville, 113 miles west of Richmond, and 164 miles southwest of Northern Virginia. The city is located in Central Virginia, on the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In Lynchburg, you can discover historic homes and landmarks, museums, churches, and centuries-old cemeteries.Īnd because the city is situated along the James River and on the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s also a great place to explore the great outdoors. Lynchburg, VA is best known as the home of several major universities in Virginia, but the city has much more to offer.

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