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Daniel's Hill Historic District
Photo courtesy of Virginia
Department of Historic Resources |
Four residential historic districts encompassing nearly 500 significant
buildings are found throughout Lynchburg's downtown. Located on a ridge
above the James River, Daniel's Hill Historic District is a residential
neighborhood that displays a variety of 19th-century architectural styles.
Concentrated building activity began in the 1840s after the subdivision
of the Cabell-Daniel family plantation whose mansion, Point
of Honor, forms the neighborhood's focal point. Cabell Street, the
district's main street, is lined with a progression of mid- and late 19th-century
mansions, all solid examples of their respective styles. Particularly
interesting is the Y-shaped dwelling at Cabell and B streets, built in
1875 by architect Robert C. Burkholder as his residence. More typical
is the 1853 to 1854 Greek Revival Dabney-Scott-Adams House at 405 Cabell
Street. Another Greek Revival landmark is Rivermont, a frame mansion.
Contrasting with these high style dwellings are the vernacular workers'
houses scattered along the back streets. Protected by historic zoning,
the district is undergoing slow rehabilitation.
Diamond Hill Historic District
Photo courtesy of Virginia
Department of Historic Resources
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Immediately south of downtown Lynchburg, the Diamond Hill Historic District
was once one of the city's most prestigious residential neighborhoods. Its
development began in the 1820s, and it enjoyed its greatest popularity at
the turn of the century, which was marked by the construction of numerous
large residences, ranging from speculative rental units to stately architect
designed houses usually in the Queen Anne or Georgian Revival styles. The
family homes of businessmen and civic and political leaders were clustered
along Washington, Clay, Pearl and Madison streets, with Washington Street
the most prestigious address. Especially interesting is the Queen Anne style
residence at 1314 Clay Street designed by architect J. M. B. Lewis as his
residence. After a significant decline, Diamond Hill in recent years has
experienced considerable preservation activity.
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Federal Hill Historic District
Photo courtesy of Virginia
Department of Historic Resources |
Building in Lynchburg occurred on its several hills--one of the earliest
and most distinctive historic districts lies on Federal Hill. The Federal
Hill Historic District served primarily as a residential area favored
by merchants and civic leaders. Spread through the district's dozen blocks
is an assemblage of freestanding dwellings in architectural styles popular
from the early 1880s through the early 1900s. Most significant are the neighborhood's
early Federal houses, which include some of the oldest and finest dwellings
in the city, among them the Roane-Rodes House on Harrison Street (built
around 1816) and the 1817 Norvell-Otey House built on Federal Street for
banker William Norvell. Several other early Federal houses, including the
Micajah Davis and Gordon houses, built before 1819, are scattered along
Jackson Street. This area was incorporated into Lynchburg through annexations
in 1814 and 1819.
Garland Hill Historic District
Photo courtesy of Virginia
Department of Historic Resources
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Another historic district that sprang up on Lynchburg's hills is the Garland
Hill Historic District. Named for Samuel Garland, Sr., a local lawyer
who was among the area's first residents, Garland Hill remains perhaps the
best preserved of the prosperous neighborhoods that sprang up in Lynchburg
during the 19th century. The hill, subdivided into approximately 10 blocks
in 1845, built up slowly, so that it now has a rich mixture of freestanding
houses representing styles in vogue from the 1840s to World War I. The grandest
dwellings line Madison Street. At its eastern end are two large Queen Anne
residences: the 1897 Frank P. Christian House and the 1898 George P. Watkins
House, both designed by Edward G. Frye. The most impressive building is
the huge Ambrose H. Burroughs House of 1900, a castle-like dwelling designed
by J. M. B. Lewis. Because there are no through streets, an air of quiet
dignity still pervades the district.
Daniel's Hill Historic District is roughly bounded by Cabell, Norwood,
Hancock and Stonewall sts. from 6th St. to H St. Diamond Hill Historic
District is roughly bounded by Dunbar Dr., Main, Jackson and Arch sts.
Federal Hill Historic District is roughly bounded by 8th, 12th, Harrison
and Polk sts. Garland Hill Historic District is roughly bounded by 5th
St., Federal Ave. and the Norfolk Western RR tracks. Walking/driving
tour brochures for Lynchburg's Residential Downtown Historic Districts
can be obtained from the Lynchburg Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau,
at 12th and Church sts., open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Please call
434-847-1811 for further information. Lynchburg Historic Tours also offered
guided tours of the districts, for a fee; call 434-846-1868 or visit the website for further information on these tours.
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