About

First settled by Anglo-Americans in 1757, Lynchburg was named for its founder, John Lynch. The enterprising John Lynch, at around 17 years old, started a ferry service at a ford across the James River to carry traffic to and from New London. With the successful ferry business, a settlement quickly developed along the hills surrounding Lynch’s Ferry. Lynchburg was founded in 1786 and incorporated into a town in 1805.

Though Lynchburg did not formally exist during the American Revolution, many Patriots who served from Bedford and Campbell Counties made their lives in what would later become our city. Lynchburg was also a major player in the towns that pushed the newly independent nation of America into it’s own.

Many Patriots are at final rest within our city limits. Specifically, Old City Cemetery Museums and Arboretum is proud to maintain the burial sites of 16 known Patriots, and our team is currently researching the possibility of others. Old City Cemetery will serve as the focal point for Lynchburg’s 250th programming, and we are excited to work with the Lynchburg Museum, Jones Memorial Library, area historians, and the nearby counties of Bedford and Campbell to bring about a regional celebration of this important anniversary for our nation.

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