Cradled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in Virginia's heartland is Lynchburg, a city that is a gracious blend of past and present.

Founded by a Quaker named John Lynch in 1786, Lynchburg grew into a major trade center, thanks to its proximity to the James River. Riverboats called bateaux were used to transport tobacco and other goods from Central Virginia to Richmond.

Because of its central location in the state, Lynchburg became a stopping off place for travelers, and during the American Revolution and the Civil War, the city played an important role.

Lynchburg became one of the wealthiest cities per capita in the nation because of its bustling tobacco trade. Remnants of this golden age can be seen in the grand architecture in some of the city's original neighborhoods such as Diamond Hill, Garland Hill, Daniel's Hill and Federal Hill.

One of Lynchburg's most famous visitors and sometime resident was Thomas Jefferson, who built his retreat, Poplar Forest, just outside the city in the early 19th century. Jefferson would leave Monticello to seek quietude at Poplar Forest which now is open to the public for tours. In the summer of 1989, archaeological digging began on the property as researchers continue to study the life of one the nation's most brilliant minds.

Note: also see Drawings and Plans of Poplar Forest

During one of his visits to Lynchburg, Jefferson stopped at the Miller-Claytor House where he is said to have bitten into a tomato, also known as a "love apple" and believed to be poisonous. In the 1930's, the Miller-Claytor house was moved to Riverside Park where it remains today.

On nearby Cabell Street stands the majestic Point of Honor, so named because of the duels once fought on its lawns. Point of Honor was built by Dr. George Cabell, Sr., personal physician to Patrick Henry. This fine example of Federal architecture is operated and maintained by the city museum system. It contains appropriate period furnishings and is the site of special events during the year.

The Lynchburg Museum system's headquarters is located in the Old Court House Museum, a Greek Revival-style building that for many years was a courthouse. Permanent exhibits trace Lynchburg's history from the time when Monocan Indians still roamed its many hills until the present.

Also near Lynchburg's central downtown area is the home of intemationally-known black poet Anne Spencer. The late poet who wrote during the Harlem Renaissance period of the 1920's, did her reading and writing in the garden house built by her husband in the couple's backyard. That cottage, "Edankraal", is filled with many of the poet's artifacts, memorabilia and gifts.

The Old City Cemetery, 401 Taylor Street, is a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1806, it is the final resting place for as many as 25,000 diverse citizens, including seven early mayors of the city, five Revolutionary War soldiers, many prominent African-American citizens, and includes three Potter's Fields for the city's indigent.

It also includes a Confederate Section where 2,201 Confederate soldiers from 14 states are interred. Close by is the Pest House Medical Museum, a two-room building moved into the cemetery in 1985, and which includes the furnishings and artifacts of Dr. John Jay Terrell who practiced medicine in the area in the late 1800s. Also included in the museum is a re-creation of conditions in the wretched House of Pestilence, or quarantine hospital, during the Civil War.

Lynchburg's Fort Early was named after General Jubal A. Early, whose Confederate troops defended the city against invasion by Union General David Hunter. Remaining are the breastworks and the fort which contains the history of Early's troops.

Elsewhere in Lynchburg stands the Sandusky House, another of the few remaining landmarks directly linking Lynchburg with the Civil War, and another reminder of a battle that could have brought disaster to the thriving tobacco town.

In nearby Appomattox is the scene of the Civil War's historic denouement. At Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, exhibits tell the story of General Robert E. Lee's surrender.

Also a city with a strong cultural heritage, Lynchburg, today, is home to the Virginia School of the Arts, boasts a Fine Arts Center, a symphony orchestra and is home to five colleges, all of which offer varied arts programs. Often called the City of Churches, Lynchburg is home to more than 121 churches, from the tiny Quaker Meeting House where the city's founder and his family worshipped, to the sprawling complex that is Thomas Road Baptist Church.

Lynchburg is where the internationally known running event, the Virginia Ten-Miler, is run each September during the city wide Kaleidoscope Festival, and is home to the Lynchburg Hillcats minor league baseball team.

Lynchburg's Community Market, one of the oldest continually operated markets in the state and the largest heated and enclosed facility of its kind in Virginia, sponsors a special event almost every month. Events range from craft shows to garden shows and food festivals.

(To reach Lynchburg from the Blue Ridge Parkway, motorist may exit at milepost 86 near the peaks of Otter Lodge, milepost 61.6, or milepost 63.7.)

Lynchburg - it's truly the "heart" of Virginia.