Sallie Blount Mahood

70 very short stories of the history of Lynchburg, as told through historic markers approved by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources

Here is a fun way to learn more about Lynchburg’s storied past. The Hill City has an unusually large number of Virginia historical highway markers—those familiar silver-and-black signs on posts, installed near busy streets and on many highways. Each tells a story in 50 to 100 words about a person, place, or event significant to Lynchburg’s history. These markers are the result of private citizens or groups who wanted to preserve the precious moments of history important to the fabric of the community in which they live. These advocates conducted all research and provided all documentation of their subject necessary for approval by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.* These individuals or groups paid for their marker’s fabrication and installation. Other important guidelines for historic markers include: the person, place, or event must have reached its period of significance at least 50 years ago. In addition, the significance must reach beyond Central Virginia or have made an impact statewide or nationally. Having only local importance is not sufficient to qualify for a marker. The markers assembled in this brochure can be divided into categories of interest: Sports, Civil War History, Arts and Entertainment, General Lynchburg History, African American History, and Women. Some subjects fit comfortably into more than one category. Have fun as you explore our city and learn more about the citizens and special places that have helped make Lynchburg the vibrant city it is today.

*For additional information about Virginia’s Historical Highway Marker program, contact: Virginia Department of Historic Resources 2801 Kensington Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221 (804) 482-6089

“The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them.”

—Czesław Miłosz