HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
Our view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and historic James River made Lynchburg a unique place for industrialists and adventurers to call home. These people created a city that, at times throughout its history, ranked as one of the wealthiest communities per capita in the nation. This affluence fueled the construction of extraordinary buildings in a diverse array of architectural styles. And none are more grand and eclectic than the homes built by our more influential residents.
Garland Hill Historic District
Visit the Point of Honor Historic Mansion and experience life during the early 1800s as you explore the house and grounds of the original owner and builder, Dr. George Cabell, whose patients included American patriot Patrick Henry. A tour of this historic Federal style home, with its classic architecture and period furnishings, gives insight into the lives of all who lived and worked in this remarkable home. After visiting Point of Honor, the Historic District Driving Tour step-on guide will take you through Lynchburg’s seven nationally designated Historic Districts. These prosperous neighborhoods sprang up during the mid to late 19th century when tobacco tycoons, shoe production, doctors, and attorneys made Lynchburg one of the wealthiest cities in the nation for its size.
Point of Honor
Enjoy lunch at a place of your choosing and don’t be afraid to try one of our local restaurants for some great flavors.
After Lunch find yourself at Historic Sandusky! Built-in 1808, Historic Sandusky is one of the Lynchburg area’s first homes to display the architectural details and refinements characteristic of Federal-style mansions. Taken over and used as a Union headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg, the home is now the site of the Historic Sandusky Museum and Civil War Center. Continuing on with the tour, the next stop is Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson’s secluded retreat, now a National Historic Landmark. A mature and innovative architectural masterpiece, Jefferson designed the octagonal house during his second term as President of the United States. Jefferson sojourned to Poplar Forest between the ages of 66-80 to rekindle his creativity, spend time with his grandchildren and escape the crowds at Monticello.
The Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum was home to an internationally acclaimed poet who was part of the Harlem Renaissance, Anne Spencer was the only black woman and the only Virginian included in the Norton Anthology of Modern American and British Poetry. Take a tour of the house and garden that many Civil Rights luminaries visited during her lifetime. The Avoca Museum, built in 1901, is an American Queen Anne-style house and was the home of Revolutionary War hero Colonel Charles Lynch. Designated a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Avoca also features an 1880s log cabin and is home to an impressive Civil War exhibit. The last stop on our tour is Patrick Henry’s Red Hill. Red Hill is the final home and burial place of American patriot Patrick Henry. He is best known for his five terms as governor of Virginia and his “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech to the Virginia Convention in 1775.