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Master's Capstone Theses
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The Impact of Lynchburg, Virginia Upon The
Confederacy During The Civil War
Bethany L. White
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AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Charles Town, West Virginia
THE IMPACT OF LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA UPON THE CONFEDERACY DURING THE
CIVIL WAR
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the
Requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF ARTS
in
CIVIL WAR STUDIES
By
Bethany L. White
November 23, 2014
The author hereby grants the American Public University System the right to display these
contents for educational purposes.
The author assumes total responsibility for meeting the requirements set by Unites States
Copyright Law for the inclusion of any materials that are not the author’s creation or in the
public domain
© Copyright 2014 by Bethany L. White
All rights reserved.
1
DEDICATION
I dedicate this thesis to my loving husband Wayne White for his patience and willingness
to spend every weekend for two years traveling to battlefields or related locations across the
Eastern Theater, countless hours in bookstores and libraries and sitting through numerous
lectures while I took notes or spoke with historians. A historian could not have asked for a better
research assistant!
2
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I wish to thank Dr. Robert Young for his patience and guidance throughout not only this
thesis process, but throughout all of my Civil War courses during both Masters of Arts in History
degrees. I also thank Dr. John Chappo, Dr. John Hoptak and Dr. Richard Hines of American
Military University’s History Department for their guidance that has brought me to this point.
This work could also have not been completed without the valuable assistance of Susan Pillow,
Nancy Jamerson Weiland and Chuck Bradner at Jones Memorial Library, Ted Delaney at Old
City Cemetery, the staff at Lynchburg Museum System, Edie Light at Presbyterian Cemetery and
Greg Starbuck at Historic Sandusky. I would also like to acknowledge the role that Dr. James I.
Robertson Jr. has unknowingly played in my endeavors, for being a role model for Civil War
historians everywhere and for being my educational hero.
3
ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS
THE IMPACT OF LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA UPON THE CONFEDERACY DURING THE
CIVIL WAR
by
Bethany L. White
American Public University System, November 23, 2014
Charles Town, West Virginia
Professor Robert Young, Thesis Professor
The following is a study of the impact that one specific city had upon not only Virginia, but also
upon the entire Confederacy throughout the four years of the American Civil War. The study
takes a careful look at how Lynchburg, a small city located in south-central Virginia played a
very significant part and provided tremendous support to the military and Confederate
government. The paper includes a review of the early years and how the introduction of the
tobacco crop brought the small town in 1786 to a booming city that rivaled both Richmond and
Petersburg in wealth and exports by the 1850s. When the war began, Lynchburg sent men to
serve in infantry, cavalry, artillery and home guard regiments. Lynchburg also served as a major
transportation hub for the Confederacy with three railroad terminals, canal boats and river travel.
There were thirty-two hospitals established throughout the city that served thousands of wounded
soldiers from both sides. Following the surrender at nearby Appomattox and the beginning of
Reconstruction, Lynchburg citizens began the slow process of rebuilding as did thousands of
communities across the defeated South. From its humble beginnings in the late 1780s through
4
the war years of the 1860s to the Reconstruction efforts of the 1870s, I would argue that the
community of Lynchburg has made a significant impact upon not only the Commonwealth of
Virginia, but throughout the South.
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER
PAGE
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………….. 8
I.
The TOWN BUILT BY TOBACCO…………………...……………………………….10
II.
LYNCHBURG DURING THE CIVIL WAR…………………………………………..38
III
AFTER APPOMATTOX……………………………………………………………….73
CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………………87
BIBLIOGRAPHY……………………………………………………………………………….89
6
Illustrations and charts
Original city limits……………………………………………………………………………. 17
Lynchburg streets, 1829……………………………………………………………………….. 26
U.S. Federal Census records of Lynchburg, Virginia 1840 – 1870 …………………………... 29
Scenes of Lynchburg 1859 – 1865…………………………………………………………34 - 35
Harper’s Weekly illustration, May 3, 1879 special on Lynchburg tobacco …………………...36
Locations of major Civil War hospitals in Lynchburg, Virginia……………………………….56
The last standing hospital……………………………………………………………….…57 - 58
11th Virginia Infantry………………………………………………………………………….. 67
Historic Sandusky………………………………………………………………………………72
Organization of Federal troops at Lynchburg…………………………………………………..74
Organization of Confederate troops at Lynchburg……………………………………………..75
7
INTRODUCTION
Throughout the history of the United States from 1776 to present day, there were more
lives lost during the American Civil War than in every other conflict that has had the presence of
American military personnel. More than 700,000 Americans lost their lives in the four years of
fighting on strictly American soil 1. At times, entire families were depleted of generations of men
as husbands, fathers, brothers, sons and even grandfathers would serve side by side for a cause
that each believed was worthy of death if necessary. Complete communities would be
devastated and find it difficult to recover economically.
The community of Lynchburg, Virginia was not any different from the rest of the cities
throughout the South. A quiet but industrial city located on the James River, Lynchburg would
become of vital importance to the Confederacy when war broke out in 1861. From its quaint
beginnings as the location of the Lynch family ferry in the 1750s to the establishment as a small
community in 1786 to a booming tobacco town by 1820, Lynchburg began to make its mark
upon Virginia. When the James River and Kanawha Canal Company completed the building of
the canal in the 1830s, Lynchburg continued to grow physically and economically. A variety of
industries sprang up throughout the city that included tobacco warehouses, bakers, dry goods,
confectionaries, general stores, flour mills, lumber yards and other companies. By the 1850s,
three railroads had terminals in Lynchburg which had become the one of the wealthiest cities in
the country, second only to New Bedford, Massachusetts.
However, times would become tough with the arrival of not only the 1860s, but four long
years of war. Lynchburg would support the Confederate efforts in a variety of ways including
service as a major medical center with thirty-two different hospitals, transportation hub and
munitions supply centers. As was the case with so many other communities across the country,
1
Dr. James I Robertson Jr. Lecture on how the Civil War still lives, April 4, 2014
8
Lynchburg sent her native sons to defend Virginia in the 11th Virginia Infantry as part of
Company A (Rifle Greys), Company E (Lynchburg Rifles) or Company G (Home Guard),
Lynchburg Artillery or 2 nd Virginia Cavalry. The local fairgrounds were even converted to serve
as a Union prison camp.
Lynchburg was such an important city for the Confederacy that the Union’s newly
installed leader, General U.S. Grant personally sent a telegram to General David Hunter and
stated that it would be valuable to capture Lynchburg if only for a single day. 2 As a result,
Hunter and Confederate General Jubal Early would clash for two days in June 1864 that ended in
Union troops withdrawing during the night. However, in less than one year, the war would for all
intents and purposes end in nearby Appomattox with the surrender of Lee’s Army of Northern
Virginia.
As was the case throughout the South, Lynchburg began the slow process of rebuilding
and Reconstruction. Change came and went as progress began to be made through the 1870s.
The Freedmen’s Bureau established a school for former slaves and their children. Slave auction
houses and slave pens were demolished to be replaced by new and exciting places of business.
The city was fortunate that its distance from both Richmond and Washington D.C.
prevented significant destruction that other parts of Virginia had borne. As a result, the vast
majority of the buildings and homes were left intact which allowed families to concentrate on
rebuilding their uprooted lives and economically challenged town.
The small ferry community started by John Lynch had made a significant impact upon
not only Virginia, but the Confederacy during the war. Now, the community would again come
together to start a new chapter and wait for the arrival of a new century that brought hope and
promise with each passing day.
2
Ulysses S. Grant. Personal Memoirs (New York: Charles Webster & Co, 1886), 282
9
Chapter I
The town built by tobacco
The humble beginnings of the community that would become known as Lynchburg,
Virginia were very much the same as other communities and even the colonies that were
appearing along the eastern shores of America. British subjects were bravely traveling across the
mighty Atlantic Ocean for new and exciting opportunities. Some were settling in many of the
colonies for the chance to worship and practice religion in the manner of their choosing without
fear of reprisal from the government. It is that hope of religious freedom that brought the Lynch
family to the western part of Virginia.
Among the first settlers that relocated to an area between the coast and the Appalachian
Mountains known as the Piedmont were Quakers who arrived during the mid-1700s. Settling into
the eastern shores of Virginia along the Tidewater area, the Quakers had left England to escape
conflicts with the Anglican Church. However, the members soon realized that there was an
additional conflict with the Quaker tenets when confronted with the peculiar institution of
slavery within the Tidewater region. As a result of the contradiction between culture and
religion, members of the Society of Friends began searching for an area of Virginia that had not
yet been tainted by the poison of slavery or numerous settlers. The answer was found in the
Virginia Piedmont. 3
Once the Friends from eastern Virginia became established with the new area, other
members of similar beliefs also joined the settlement. Members from Hanover, Henrico, Loudon
and Fairfax Counties all traveled to central Virginia to settle in an area that was far enough away
3
Al Chambers. Lynchburg: An architectural history. (Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia,1981), 1
10
from those colonists who practiced slavery or held other religious beliefs. Among the more
prominent members who relocated from Albemarle County was the family of Charles Lynch 4.
Charles Lynch was just fifteen years old when he ran away from home after receiving
severe punishment at the hands of a teacher. Lynch convinced a sea captain to allow passage on a
ship that was bound for the Virginia colony. Before the ship had completely left the home port of
Galway Bay, Ireland, Lynch began to have second thoughts and jumped overboard. However,
Lynch was rescued and brought back aboard the ship. Upon arrival at Virginia, the captain
demanded payment from the teenager for the safe passage. When Lynch stated that there were no
funds from which to pay, the captain had the boy indentured to Christopher Clark, who was a
wealthy tobacco planter from nearby Louisa County. 5 It was in the service of Clark that Lynch’s
destiny was forever changed and a future city was born.
As the years slipped by, Clark became very impressed with Lynch’s work ethic and
considered the teenager to be a son. Soon, Lynch was provided with a quality education. In 1733,
Clark gave the hand of his daughter Sarah to Charles for marriage. Before long, the young couple
began to prosper through tobacco farming and land speculation. 6
In 1752, the Lynch family moved to central Virginia and purchased property on the south
bank of the James River. Sarah had grown up in the Quaker faith and began hosting worship
services at the Lynch home of Chestnut Hill. The family continued to prosper and began what
would prove to be a new enterprise with the establishment of a ferry service across the James
River. 7
4
Ibid.
James Elson. Lynchburg, Virginia: The first two hundred years 1786 – 1986. (Lynchburg:
Warwick House Publishing, 2004), 1
6
Ibid.
7
Ibid., 2
5
11
In 1745, the Virginia General Assembly enacted a law for the establishment and
appointment of several new ferries.
“Be it enacted…that public ferries be constantly kept at the places hereafter named, and
that the rates for passing the said ferries be as follows, that is to say: From the land of Edward
Lynch, in the county of Bedford, over the Fluvanna, at the mouth of Black-water Creek, to the
land of Micajah Moorman, in the county of Albemarle; the price for a man three pence, and for a
horse the same. For every hogshead of tobacco, the same as for one horse.” 8
Within the new statute were several key elements that would pertain to not only the
Lynch family but also to the establishment of Lynchburg. Edward Lynch was a son of Charles
and the elder brother to John. The Fluvanna River is an earlier name for what would become
known as the James River. The southern end of Lynch’s ferry stretched to Bedford County as
Campbell County, which would encompass Lynchburg entirely, had not yet been founded in
1745. The northern end of the ferry would reach eventually into Amherst County which was also
non-existent at the time of the statute. For this reason, the northern border of Albemarle County
is given. Black-water Creek flowed through what was considered to be Campbell County at the
time of Lynchburg’s founding and into the James River. 9
Travel east of the Blue Ridge Mountains had proven to be difficult for the early settlers.
The southernmost tip of the Fluvanna River soon became the upper part of the James River. In its
eastward journey, the river curved southward in what was called the Great Bent. East of the
Blue Ridge Mountains, where the cliffs along the banks of the river are broken sits a natural ford
at the eastern end of what became known as Percival’s Island. In 1750, the area known as Horse
Ford became the location for Charles Lynch to develop a ferry. Lynch and the other settlers had
to resolve a problem prior to any hope of becoming prosperous in the new venture. Part of the
problem was due to the presence of the Monacan Indian tribes who were located nearby.
8
William Hening. The Statutes at Large: A collection of all of the laws of Virginia, 1756 – 1763. Vol. 7 of The
Statutes at Large. (Richmond: Franklin Press, 1820), 126
9
Elson, 1
12
Normally, the Indians did not bother the peace loving Quakers and would occasionally trade with
the newcomers. However, the Indian problem would soon be fixed when Iroquois from
Pennsylvania and New York came south and engaged in fierce tribal warfare. By utilizing Dutch
weaponry, the Iroquois completely ravaged both the Monacan tribe and the land. It has been said
that the attack was the first recorded invasion of people from the North into southern land. 10
The ferry business would become a very successful business for the Lynch family. After
the family became established along the James River, patriarch Charles Lynch would die the
following year in 1753. John and Edward each inherited significant land holdings from their
father. When Edward died in 1765, John also inherited his brother’s land which would become
the location of Lynchburg. 11 Seventeen year old John Lynch took over control of the ferry
business and became a conveyor of goods to eastern Virginia on the James River. When the
Monacan tribe had been greatly reduced as a result of the Iroquois attack, local settlers were
presented with a golden opportunity that was not commonly seen throughout the Colonial period.
A significant area now had a major land route with a nearby river that was mostly free from
Indians. John Lynch would make the most of the opportunity by building quarters for himself
and other traders or travelers from landholdings that Charles Lynch had owned along the James
River. 12
By 1754, the membership in the Society of Friends had significantly increased in size.
Many prominent families attended monthly services that were sponsored at Chestnut Hill which
prompted the Lynch matriarch Sarah to help found the South River Meeting House in 1757
10
Richard Loyd and Bernard Mundy. Lynchburg: A pictorial history. (Virginia Beach: Donning Co, 1975), 9
Elson, 15
12
Ibid.
11
13
several miles away. However, the new location was hastily built with logs and would become
destroyed during a fire in 1768. 13
As his father and mother before him, John Lynch also became a prominent member of the
Society of Friends but had difficulty in completely following the required tenets. There were
three specific rules that some members had the most difficulty in following with complete
obedience. Taking up arms during a war, owning slaves or marrying someone who was not a
member of the Society of Friends were each viewed as significant and serious reasons for
disowning a member. John Lynch would be appointed as a clerk to the Society in 1777 but
would be censured twice and risked becoming disowned from the membership. The reasons for
such actions are not fully understood, but Lynch was known to have a quick temper which was
sometimes difficult to be controlled. 14
In 1776 at the Virginia Annual Meeting, local Societies were directed to expel those
members who still practiced that peculiar institution of slavery. Members who owned slaves
were placed in a distressing predicament and had three options to consider. First, the member
would continue to own slaves but become disowned by the Society. Another option was that the
member would free the slaves but face financial ruin and social ostracism for choosing church
membership over providing for the family. The third and final option was also a costly choice by
moving from Virginia to another colony. As a former slaveholder who now held an important
position within the Society, church leaders turned to John Lynch for assistance. Lynch was
appointed to the task of encouraging fellow Quakers to free the slaves and as clerk to record all
such actions. Members were also not allowed to hire slaves to help with the large tracts of land
that the majority of Friends owned. It is worthy to note that during this time in history, white
13
14
Ibid., 10
Elson, 12
14
males were not hired to do manual labor. The ensuing result was not what the leaders had in
mind as many families refused to free the slaves and were disowned from the Society. Many of
the former members chose to remain locally and became members of the Methodist faith as it
was the only other denomination in the area. 15
Following the events of the American Revolution, the 1780s brought growth and new
commerce to the area surrounding the ferry. The young country’s leaders began to seek new and
improved routes across the colonies for the purposes of increasing trade and travel. George
Washington personally rode more than 800 miles into the region to provide surveying assistance.
Upon his return, Washington encouraged Congress to pass bills that promoted navigation along
the upper reaches of both the Potomac and James Rivers. 16
John Lynch began to consider the area upon which many of the settlers were living. In
1784, Lynch petitioned the Virginia General Assembly to take a large portion of land for the
purposes of establishing a town on the south bank of the James River. The petition was denied
for unknown reasons. But that would not stop the determined Lynch who tried again in 1786. In
October 1786, the General Assembly passed the following act to establish a town on the lands of
John Lynch, in the County of Campbell.
“Be it enacted…that forty-five acres of land, the property of John Lynch, and lying
contiguous to Lynch’s Ferry, in the county of Campbell…laid off into lots of half an acre each,
with convenient streets, and established a town by the name of Lynchburg.”17
The General Assembly in granting the petition to establish the town did specify that
certain conditions were required to be met. One of the most important conditions was that the
15
Ibid., 13
Loyd, 10
17
William Hening The Statutes at Large: A collection of all of the laws of Virginia 1785 – 1788. Vol. 12 of The
Statutes at Large. (Richmond: Franklin Press, 1820), 398
16
15
town could be near but was not to be located on the James River. This meant that Lynch’s Ferry
could not be located within the town limits. That did not stop or cause Lynch further concern as
he began the business of starting Lynchburg. Perhaps in a show of respect to his family’s faith,
Lynch named eight members of the Society of Friends to be part of the chosen eleven original
trustees. The first public trustee meeting was held on May 8, 1787. 18
During the first trustee meeting, there were little to no building conditions that were
required for homeowners to meet before establishing new dwellings. Builders were to be given a
period of three years to build in order to hold title to their lots. This was greatly relaxed as
opposed to the struggles that other colonists faced at the time. For example, landowners in the
communities that became Moorefield, West Virginia and Frankfort, Kentucky were only given
two years. Lynchburg landowners also could utilize the building material of their choice while
those who lived in Norfolk, Virginia were required to use bricks. Finally, Lynchburgers did not
face any size restrictions on their dwellings. Homeowners in Moorefield were required to build
homes that measured eighteen square feet while residents of Abingdon in western Virginia faced
even stricter guidelines in that homes were required to be twenty feet long and sixteen feet
wide. 19 On June 20, 1787, the town’s first business land transactions took place with seventy-two
lots put up for sale and twenty-two purchased. John Lynch, as the principal land owner, chose to
keep four specific lots within the center of town for his own personal purposes. 20 But despite the
relaxed regulations, landowners were slow to build new dwellings. By 1787, Lynchburg only had
three houses. 21
18
Steve Tripp. Yankee town, Southern city: Race & Class relations in Civil War Lynchburg. (New York: NYU
Press, 1997), 10
19
Chambers, 10
20
Ibid., 13
21
Ibid., 19
16
Map of the Original City layout
Fourth Alley (Eleventh St)
Courtesy of Jones Memorial Library
17
Lynchburg began to grow with not only the number of homes that were being built, but in
the growth and production of tobacco. The crop was planted extensively throughout the
Piedmont. In order to sell the tobacco to points east, the only practical highway in existence was
the James River. However, single canoes were too small to carry the heavy hogsheads that were
packed full of tobacco leaves. One ingenious individual invented a new method of transporting
products by tying two canoes together for the purposes of carrying two to three hogsheads. Thus
began the production of a new transportation vessel called the bateau which was a flat-bottomed
boat with boardwalks laid outside the gunwales. The boardwalks allowed men with long oars or
poles to walk heavily loaded bateau upstream. By using bateaux instead of canoes, people were
able to sell more tobacco and other products in cities such as Richmond and other places on the
eastern shore. 22
Having been raised around tobacco fields, Lynch knew that the growing and selling of
tobacco was a very lucrative business. In May 1783, the Virginia General Assembly passed an
act to amend and reduce the several acts of Assembly for the Inspection of Tobacco into one
consolidated act. In accordance with the new law, all tobacco warehouses had to be secured with
strong doors, hung on iron hinges and were required to have one square brick or funnel that
measured six feet high and four feet in diameter with an arch at the bottom for the purposes of
burning refused tobacco. A packed hogshead barrel of tobacco could weigh has much as 1,000
pounds and was required to be stored on level ground. Lynch believed that money could be made
locally by selling and inspecting tobacco which in turn would bring more people to Lynchburg.
As a result and after receiving two tobacco inspection licenses for warehouses, Lynch’s
Warehouse was built just outside of the city limits in 1791. The warehouse would stand on the
22
Tripp, 11
18
northeast corner of Lynch Street and First Alley until 1978 and serve in a variety of uses. 23 The
warehouse had a depth of forty-eight feet and was made from both brick and wood. By 1805,
Lynch added an additional two story brick warehouse behind the original building. This addition
stood until 1909.24 In 1792, Lynch would later build a second warehouse called Spring
Warehouse on the corner of Lynch Street and Sixth Alley (modern day Commerce and Twelfth
Streets). It was used as an inspecting center until 1839. The building was later used by a lumber
company as recently as the 1960s. 25 Lynchburg would never be the same quiet town again.
By 1802, Lynch decided that the time was right to expand the town’s limits. As a result,
the founding father purchased an additional thirty half-acre lots for the purposed of enlarging the
town. Fifteen lots were located northwest of the current town limits and the remaining fifteen lots
were just southeast of the border. 26 It is interesting to note that the new borders still did not
encompass either of Lynch’s tobacco warehouses or the ferry. This is so that Lynch could run the
businesses just enough outside of the town so that each would be exempt from town laws and
taxes.
On January 10, 1805 the Virginia General Assembly passed an act for incorporating the
town of Lynchburg and enlarging the same. A new city government was established and met in
the new government building known as Common Hall. There were twelve elected councilmen
who in turn elected a mayor, chairman, four aldermen and a recorder. The first Corporation
Court met on May 6, 1805 and consisted of the mayor, recorder and the four aldermen. It was
23
Chambers, 7
Ruth Blunt. Rise and decline of Lynchburg tobacco warehouses. (Lynchburg, 1960), 3
25
Ibid., 4
26
Chambers, 28
24
19
also decided that the new government had the authority to build new streets and erect public
buildings. 27
By 1810, Lynchburg was becoming an economically sound city, especially with the
continued growth of several new businesses including the increasing number of various tobacco
warehouses that were filled were hogsheads. Tobacco leaves were tightly packed into the
hogsheads. After the barrel or cask was sealed, a long spike was driven through the center with
the ends protruding through each end to serve as an axle. Saplings were then attached to the ends
of the spike which were then attached to a team of horses, mules or oxen. The barrel was then
reinforced with hickory hoops and rolled along from the planter’s home to the local tobacco
warehouse. While the animals were pulling the heavy load, the stuffed hogsheads helped to
create roads throughout the area. As a planter had a significant number of warehouses to choose
for the purposes of selling the tobacco, a system needed to be established so that interested
parties would know when the time had come to purchase the product. 28
In order to inspect a tobacco hogshead, the container had to be broken open. When it was
time, a designated employee would blow into a long trumpet that signaled a break. Each tobacco
warehouse would utilize this method as each trumpet had its own distinct sound. However, there
was great confusion caused when each warehouse would signal at the same time. The decision
was made to rotate the break schedules throughout the week with a different warehouse having
the first break of the day. 29
Religious fervor seemed to be spreading throughout the area with the exception of the
Society of Friends. As many Quakers chose to leave the Society and join other denominations
27
Elson, 54
Ibid., 29
29
Loyd and Mundy, 10
28
20
rather than releasing their slaves, the membership had dwindled. By 1814, there were no
slaveholders who were also members of the church. However, basking in their accomplishments,
church leaders chose to not discuss the matter. By 1830, an increasing number of Friends were
becoming ostracized from Lynchburg citizens due to an increasingly well-known stance on
slavery. 30 When a town meeting presided by mayor Samuel Wiatt was held on August 27, 1835,
the focus was toward northern agitators and an attempt to stamp out all Negro freedom. Many
Quakers used the meeting as a warning and moved out of the area to friendlier non-slave owning
states such as Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, Texas and even California. By 1839, there were no further
meetings held at the old South River Meeting house. The meetings stopped entirely by 1858.31
As the town grew and became a city, John Lynch was known as a shrewd businessman
who had an excellent eye for profits and never forsaking his religious upbringing when dealing
with business. Lynch also believed in promoting community goodwill and took great strides to
be an example to others. Before his death on October 31, 1820, Lynch donated a significant
amount of land for various purposes throughout the city. In 1791, Lynch donated ten acres of
land for the Quakers to build a place of divine worship and for burying their dead. In 1806, land
was designated for the purposes of establishing a city cemetery. In 1812, the Lynchburg Toll
Bridge Company built a covered bridge that stretched from outside the city’s limits across the
James River to Amherst County. The bridge was built using land from Lynch. In 1813, land was
donated on which the first court house was built. The court house would stand until 1855 when it
was replaced by a better constructed building that still exists in 2014.32
30
Ibid., 13
Ibid., 54
32
Ibid.
31
21
From its earliest days, the settlers of what would be called Lynchburg discovered that
there was a significant cash crop in tobacco. Throughout much of the nineteenth century,
tobacco factories would appear almost overnight across the town. The production of chewing
tobacco, snuff or smoking tobacco would steadily increase as the decades went by. 33 The
peculiar institution of slavery also continued to increase as many slaves were bought and sold in
downtown Lynchburg. A market house was built in 1805 in the middle of the intersection of
Main and Water Streets that was the location of among other things, slave auctions. The building
was enlarged in 1813 and remained standing until 1873 when it was demolished. 34 Many slaves
were sought to work in the numerous tobacco factories and were seen as diligent workers despite
the poor working conditions. Other businesses soon began to arrive and establish factories in
along the Main Street area.
By the decade of the 1830s, Lynchburg had grown significantly since its founding
in 1786. There were 4,630 citizens that included the slave population, twelve resident attorneys
and fifteen practicing physicians. By 1843, the population had increased to 6,000 partly due to
the growing number of tobacco factories that dotted a variety of city streets. 35 In 1830, there
were fifteen factories throughout the city. Just thirteen years later, that number doubled to thirty
factories. In only seven more years, there were thirty-five factories spread across the city. By the
eve of the Civil War, the number of factories had increased to forty-five. 36 Lynchburg could
definitely claim to be the town that was built by tobacco.
33
Ibid., 28
Ibid., 54
35
William Dunn and T. Gibson Hobbs. Historical Sketches from THE IRON WORKER. (Lynchburg: Lynchburg
Historical Foundation, 1984), 19
36
Tripp, 7
34
22
Lynchburg tobacco accounted for approximately 23.4% of all tobacco that was inspected
in Virginia in 1840. By 1860, 17% of Virginia’s manufactured sales came out of Lynchburg. The
city was one-sixth the size of the state capital, Richmond and one-third the size of Petersburg but
produced more tobacco in proportion to its size than any other city in both Virginia and North
Carolina. The growth of the industry caused Lynchburg to become the leading producer of
chewing or plug tobacco. As a result, some believed that the southern city greatly resembled the
emerging commercial and industrial centers of the North.
37
It was a great time to be a tobacco factory owner. By 1860, Lynchburg was the second
wealthiest city in the country due to tobacco production. A reporter from the Petersburg Express
wrote that “Lynchburg has the finest tobacco in the world.” Another reporter from the Richmond
Enquirer stated that there was “not a town in Virginia more interesting than Lynchburg.”
38
Tobacco manufacturers made up almost 30% of the city’s personal wealth, 25% of real estate
wealth and 27% of Lynchburg’s total wealth. Five tobacco factory owners were worth over
$100,000. The wealthiest owner, Jessie Hare owned $110,000 in real estate, a large brick home
with a fountain in the front yard near the business district of Main Street and was conveniently
next to his Planter’s tobacco warehouse which stood until 1888.39 Hare also owned thirty-five
slaves and had a total personal worth of more than $800,000.40
There was a number of tobacco warehouses spread throughout the city that would stand
well into the twentieth century. Martin’s warehouse, which later became known as Union
warehouse was located on the southwest corner of Lynch and Second Alley and stood until 1948
when it was demolished to become a parking lot. Blackwater warehouse stood at the intersection
37
Ibid.
Ibid., 8
39
John M. Payne. Recollections of Lynchburg Eighty Years Ago in 1850. (Amherst, VA, 1931), 7
40
Ibid.
38
23
of Cabell and Orange Streets until 1854 when the building changed functions and served as a
train depot for more than one hundred years. Liberty warehouse, built in 1805 and located on
Lynch Street, stood until the late 1950s. Friend’s warehouse, built in 1806, was located on
Church Street. By 1960, the building had been demolished and became the site of the new city
post office. 41
By 1859, Lynchburg had forty-seven tobacco factories. Two of the most well-known
brands, Killikinnick and Lone Jack ,were extremely popular and highly sought during the Civil
War by soldiers who continued to use both brands long after Reconstruction. Roads throughout
Lynchburg were continuing to improve which allowed tobacco to be transported to the
warehouses for inspection by horse drawn wagons. After inspection, the tobacco was repacked
into various hogsheads and sent to Richmond via the James River for sale and manufacture. 42
The sweet aroma of cured tobacco certainly enticed numerous citizens to purchase the addictive
crop. Cigarettes were not as widely used, especially in comparison with pipe or cigar smoking.
Chewing a plug or twist and dipping snuff were the most conspicuous method of consuming
tobacco. However, the chewing of tobacco came with a problem that was sickening to many
people. Proper etiquette was not usually employed when the time came to dispose of the juice in
one’s mouth that developed from chewing tobacco. Well-known English author Charles Dickens
noted grotesquely during a boat trip down the Lynchburg branch of the Kanawha Canal that
some of his fellow passengers had yellow streams of half-chewed tobacco trickling down their
chins. Court Street Methodist Church contained spittoons for use by members during worship
41
42
Blunt, 5
Elson, 32
24
services. 43 One customer of the newly built Franklin Hotel wrote to a friend of her disgust when
stating that
“We stopped at the Franklin Hotel which would be an excellent house if it was kept cleaner.
How can a popular and much frequented house be kept clean when traveling men lay in bed and
project the salivary extract of tobacco upon the walls of their chamber?”44
Another writer, Charles Mackay noted that instead of the bald eagle, America should have a
spittoon as its national symbol.
As much as the tobacco industry was a success, there were also significant problems that
were experienced by many owners. One known problem was that the industry suffered from a
high turnover rate among owners. For example, there were only sixteen tobacco owners that
were still in business in 1860 out of the forty-one present in 1850. Part of the problem was the
result of nature working against the farmers. In order for fine grade tobacco to be grown, there
had to be a combination of perfect water, fertile soil and constant cultivation. If any one element
was missing, the tobacco crop would be less than desirable. Another problem was the economy
which affected the amount of sales. The 1857 panic caused many Northern merchants to default
on payments which became a leading factor in the decline of owners by 1860. As a result of the
panic, Lynchburg in 1858 was only selling 70% of its numbers from 1853. 45
Although Lynchburg was primarily a tobacco town, there were many emerging industries
that helped the city to continue growing. There were a number of hotels located along Fifth
Street that were built in 1815. The Western hotel, located on the corner of Fifth and Madison
Streets opened in 1815 as the Joseph Nichols tavern. In 1833, the tavern changed to the Western
43
Elson, 28
Chambers, 30
45
Ibid., 9
44
25
Fourth Alley (Eleventh St)
Sixth Alley (Twelfth St)
Eighth Alley (Thirteenth St)
Lynchburg, Virginia in 1829 (Current Street Names)
26
Hotel. 46 The tavern did enjoy some notoriety during its day. According to the legend of the
infamous Beale treasure, there were three letters kept in the tavern safe that described the size
and location of the treasure. Another hotel located just three blocks from the Western was the
Kentucky hotel. Built in 1800, the former Terrell – Langhorne house began operation as a hotel
in 1826. 47
There were other hotels that were open prior to the start of the war. The most prominent
was perhaps the Franklin hotel which opened its doors on November 1, 1817 on the corner of
Main and Eleventh Streets. The owner, Samuel J. Harrison was a personal friend of Thomas
Jefferson who often visited Lynchburg while traveling from Monticello in Charlottesville to his
retreat, Poplar Forest, in nearby Bedford County. Harrison was so comfortable with Jefferson
that the former President was asked to personally select the wines that would be served at the
Franklin hotel. The hotel would reopen in 1852 as the Norvell house. 48
Other industries throughout Lynchburg included eleven grist mills, two copper smiths,
one fertilizer manufacturer, four banks and four coach makers. One well known coach maker,
John Bailey, was located in an abandoned tobacco warehouse and employed fifty people. There
were six foundries that produced a variety of products. One foundry, owned by Francis B. Deane
Jr. was called F.B. Deane Jr & Son. Deane’s foundry produced the passenger and freight cars for
the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad that would eventually pass through Lynchburg. Deane was
very familiar with establishing a successful foundry as he had previously founded the Tredegar
Iron Works in Richmond that would prove to be irreplaceable as the munitions heart for the
46
Chambers, 30
Ibid.
48
Ibid.
47
27
Confederacy. The Phoenix Foundry was owned by A.G. Dabney and produced iron fixtures for
tobacco factories.
49
Other businesses in the city included bakers, blacksmiths, cabinet makers, carpenters,
carriage makers, chair makers, coopers, silversmiths, gun smiths, hatters, masons, painters,
printers, rope makers, saddlers and shoemakers. There were several brickyards and two extensive
tan yards. The Piedmont flour mill opened in 1855 and operated until the 1970s. A large cotton
factory was also located on the right bank of Blackwater Creek that employed seventy people
and ran 2500 spindles. 50 The cotton mill was the first attempt to manufacture cotton in southwest
Virginia and would stand until the 1990s.
More than just places to make a quick profit existed within the thriving city. Several
benevolent societies attempted to promote moral welfare throughout the area. The Bible society,
an auxiliary of the American Bible Society began in 1815. The Colonization Society began in
1826 and attempted to send out free blacks to Liberia for the purposes of beginning colonies
there. Another society that was popular among the churchgoing members of the community, but
not with the rest of the citizens was the Temperance Society. Although there was no incorporated
seminary of learning, students could attend a good classical and math school. There were also
several co-ed schools and even some that were specifically for young women. Lynchburg did not
yet have a public library but literate citizens could read the semi-weekly newspaper The
Lynchburg Virginian. 51
Despite its comparison to the emerging industries of the North, Lynchburg could never
truly be considered to be a “Yankee town” due to its peculiar institution of slavery. According to
49
Tripp, 11
Dunn and Hobbs, 17
51
Ibid., 19
50
28
the 1840 census, Lynchburg’s total population of 5,304 people was made up of 3,143 free
citizens and 2,161 slaves. It is important to note that during the 1840 – 1870 census records, the
category of free colored citizens included both mulattoes and blacks as opposed to whites.
During the next decade, the population continued to increase by 52% as the city peaked at 8,071
citizens including slaves. It is interesting to note that in the first census after the war, the one
category that outnumbered all others in the census was the total amount of colored females. 52
Year
White Males
Colored
Males
197
Colored
Females
285
Male Slaves
1355
White
Females
1306
1840
Total
1107
Female
Slaves
1054
1850
2278
1824
254
291
1858
1566
8071
1860
1973
1834
163
200
1506
1179
6855
1870
1681
1750
1389
1950
n/a
n/a
6770
5304
Slavery and slave trading both proved to be an extremely profitable business. For
example, in the Lynchburg Republican on June 9, 1845, businessman George Davis advertised
the sale of two hundred young Negroes of the usual ages. Davis went on to state that he would
personally match the same prices that interested buyers could find in Richmond. 53 In August
1852, an advertisement in the Lynchburg Virginian by future City Councilman Seth Woodruff
stated that:
“Negroes wanted: The subscriber continues in market for Negroes, of both sexes between the ages of 10
and 30 years, including Mechanics such as Blacksmiths, Carpenters, and will pay the highest market prices in cash.
His office is a newly erected brick building on First or Lynch Street, immediately in the rear of the Farmers’ Bank,
where is prepared to board negroes, sent to Lynchburg for sale or otherwise, on as moderate terms and keep them
as secure as if they were placed in the jail of the Corporation.” 54
52
U.S. Census Bureau. Federal Census Records of Lynchburg, Virginia 1840 - 1870
Elson, 41
54
Ibid.
53
29
Woodruff, who served on City Council throughout the war, built Farmers’ Bank in 1852. In the
basement of the bank was the notorious slave pen where traders could securely keep slaves until
they were either sold at auction or brought home. The bank was located one block from Main
and Water Street (Ninth Street today) which was not only the heart of the city but also where the
majority of the slave auctions took place. 55
By 1860, there were two interesting statistics that further explained the makeup of
Lynchburg’s population. The first was that during the first half of the nineteenth century,
Lynchburg had a higher population of free blacks than any other city in Virginia. Part of this
reason was the result of the Quakers freeing many of their slaves. 56 The other interesting statistic
was that 40% of the white households owned 40% of the remaining city population. The majority
of the slaves served as forced labor in the numerous tobacco factories around town and helped to
create the city’s increasing wealth. Over 1,000 people were employed in the tobacco factories.
Nearly all were black and most were slaves. There are some records that indicate that as much as
one-half of the slave population worked in the factories. In order to increase production, some of
the factory owners offered cash incentives to those slaves that were willing to work overtime.
Some slaves could make five dollars per week for overtime and talented slaves made as much as
ten dollars per week. As a result, Lynchburg became the most expensive place in Virginia to hire
slaves as local hiring rates increased by 35%. 57
Unlike the capital city of Richmond, most white households did not try to hire poor white
females to serve as domestic servants, nurses or cooks. This type of labor was regarded to be
better suited for a slave and thus more than 800 slaves were employed as a type of house servant.
55
Ibid.
Clifton and Dorothy Potter. Lynchburg 1757-2007.( Charleston: Arcadia Publishing, 2007), 18
57
Tripp, 12
56
30
Most of the young white women that did work outside of the home were employed as
seamstresses. In 1860, there were 230 young white females that worked outside of the home. Of
that number, 5% were employed as house servants including five Irish women. 79% worked as
seamstresses, mantra makers, milliners or tailors. Many of the free black women often worked in
the tobacco factories or performed washing and sewing duties for white families. 58
How did the white citizens of Lynchburg feel about the increasing number of slaves in
the community? Some viewed slaves as perpetual children who needed constant supervision and
discipline. Slave holders did not want strictly obedient workers, but instead slaves were seen as
obedient children who needed not only guidance but close supervision. As a result, many slave
holders believed that they were the slaves’ moral guardians and had a duty as well as a
responsibility to make sure that the slaves did not misbehave or stray far from good moral
conduct. Many owners feared that a productive and well-behaved slave would wander too close
to questionable areas such as the Buzzard’s Roost and mingle with lower class whites and free
blacks who would certainly encourage unruly behavior. Slaves were expected at all times to be
loyal and obedient servants to their owners for a lifetime. 59
As owners tried to find ways to increase power over their slaves, a number of new
institutions and societies came into existence. During the 1850s, slaveholders supported the
creation of all-black churches. Court Street Baptist Church was the first all-black church in
Lynchburg and still exists in the twenty-first century. Blacks were able to freely worship, but
whites continued to serve in positions of authority by controlling the financing, serving as
ministers, and as Sunday school teachers. Many owners feared that if loyal slaves did not receive
58
59
Ibid., 17
Ibid., 18
31
the proper religious education and learn a strict code of moral values, many slaves would become
easily tempted by any of the various vices that could be found in and around the Lower Basin.
Those who became tempted usually were turned over to the local police department for further
action. 60
Police officers were often used as only the last resort for correcting unruly slaves. Many
that were beyond simple correction were sent to Mayor William D. Branch for summary
judgment. Petty crimes such as being drunk or breaking curfew often resulted in whipping. One
such example is told by a former Captain in the Army of Northern Virginia and resident of
Lynchburg during the 1850s, John M. Payne. Captain Payne wrote in his memoirs that behind
the Courthouse were two small brick houses for each of the clerks of court and a whipping post
between the houses:
In these days the Court House Bell would ring at 9 o’clock every night and if a Negro was caught out
without a pass after this hour he was arrested, and either had to pay $1.00 or take ten lashes at the whipping post.
On my way to school I have frequently seen this penalty administered, but it was very mercifully done and did not
hurt the culprit. 61
The more serious crimes were handled sensitively and on a case by case basis. One
example occurred in 1858 when three slaves were arrested for setting fire to William Miller’s
tobacco factory. The situation caused a slight panic in the city of a possible slave insurrection.
Two of the slaves, William and Morris were sentenced to death by Mayor Branch. Both of the
condemned slaves actually belonged to William Miller, the factory owner. A third slave named
Carey belonged to a local lawyer named William Speed. A confident Speed believed that Carey
was innocent and refused to turn the slave over to the police and Mayor for punishment. The
court decided that Carey had to be sold and moved out of the city. Speed complied, but only after
60
61
Ibid., 20
Payne, 15
32
much protest. 62 Despite what many in the city thought about unruly slaves as the only real cause
for concern or problem, the city was about to take a dramatic change that would affect many
people.
By the 1850s, Lynchburg experienced an economic boom. The small town of Lynchburg
was rapidly becoming a growing metropolis. However, it would not last as tensions across the
country began to increase between people in the North and South. The boom times of the 1850s
would give way to the troublesome and dark days of the 1860s.
As was the case with every other city across the country, Lynchburg was not exempt
from its share of economic troubles. Due to the strong attachment and dependence upon the
production, manufacture and sale of tobacco, the economy was extremely vulnerable to sudden
collapses. Three specific years were especially difficult for many tobacco owners as the panics of
1856, 1857 and 1860 produced a stranglehold on much of the city’s wealth. Those who were
financially sound received many pleas for assistance from societies established to help the poor
and destitute. 63
One of the largest charitable societies was the Dorcas Society. Formed from a Methodist
women’s group, many of the city’s wealthiest matrons belonged to the organization, but the
group still depended upon private donations in order to survive. One of its main functions was to
provide year round assistance for poor white women and their children. Those who were given
aid also attended the Methodist Sunday School which provided moral and religious education,
which meant the poor white Irish Catholic women were excluded from any assistance. 64
62
Tripp, 21
Ibid., 31
64
Ibid., 32
63
33
Although economic times were certainly difficult in the 1850s, there were even more
difficult times on the horizon. Tobacconists that were living in large houses just above the city
heights would soon be out of business. Tobacco warehouses and factories that were spread
across the business district would become places of pain, misery, disease and death. The new
railroads that were installed in the early 1850s would serve a new purpose and have more usage
than ever before. Foundries that made iron castings for tobacco owners would change and
produce ammunition and wagons for an army. The vast majority of the male population would
leave the friendly city limits and many would never return. As tensions continued to increase
across not only Virginia but the country, war loomed on the horizon. It would be years before not
only Lynchburg, but millions across the South enjoyed the kind of economic prosperity that was
seen in the 1850s.
Old Market House on Lynch Street looking towards Court House
Water (Ninth) Street from Court House view
Both pictures are courtesy of Jones Memorial Library
34
Farmer bringing tobacco hogshead to market. Photo
courtesy of Lynchburg Museum System
Main Street in Lynchburg Virginia, 1859. Photo courtesy of Jones Memorial Library
35
Harper’s Weekly May 8, 1879 special on Lynchburg tobacco (Courtesy of Lynchburg Museum System)
Row 1- The Breaks (Auction of leaf tobacco) / Unloading leaf
Row 2 – Calling to the “Breaks” (Friend’s Warehouse) / Twisting plug tobacco
Row 3 - Tobacco wagons and market (Planter’s Warehouse) / Pressing baler – smoking tobacco
36
CHAPTER 2
LYNCHBURG DURING THE CIVIL WAR
During the early years of Lynchburg, transportation to other towns or cities was effective
but very limited. The road to Charlottesville, located seventy miles away, was well travelled with
ease and expedition. On the other hand, someone that desired to go to Richmond from
Lynchburg and did not wish to go via the James River was required to travel fifteen miles east in
order to take the turnpike. For those that wished to travel west, one option was the Lynchburg –
Salem Turnpike, an expensive macadamized road that was only half complete and ran through
both New London and Liberty. Mail delivery traveled via the Piedmont Road to Charlottesville,
Lynchburg, Danville and Sale, North Carolina. Other mail deliveries went by way of the mail
coach to and from Richmond three times weekly or the route established by future Governor
William “Extra Billy” Smith that stretched from Washington D.C. to Georgia. 65 There had to be
a better way for citizens to travel.
In 1812, the Virginia General Assembly appointed a special commission that was headed
by Chief Justice John Marshall to survey the James River from Lynchburg to the mouth of
Dunlop’s Creek. The commission was ordered to locate the most direct way via water
transportation to the Great Kanawha Falls and provide the legislature with a report on the
findings. The commission met in Lynchburg on September 1, 1812 and gathered on the Lynch
Bridge and traveled up the river to a point above Buchanan, Virginia near the Peaks of Otter. The
group soon returned from the survey to Ohio and submitted the report to General Assembly.
After a careful study, the legislature favorably recommended the passageway, but public
65
Dunn & Hobbs, 17
37
demands deemed any progress that had been made to be completely insufficient with local
needs. 66
While the future canal was being surveyed and researched, another drive was ongoing. In
November 1830, a group of progressive citizens met to discuss internal improvements and the
building of a railroad. One proposal was made to construct a railroad that stretched from
Lynchburg west and connected with the New River Railroad. 67 On April 5, 1831, the Lynchburg
and New River Railroad Company was incorporated and a grand celebration was planned.
Excited townspeople staged a large parade on the day that shares of stock went public. Eager
citizens purchased over 3,000 shares in one day. Not everyone in Virginia was excited about the
future railroad. The General Assembly denied the proposal and instead voted to incorporate the
preferred project of the James River and Kanawha Canal Company on March 16, 1832.68 It
would be the first of several battles between those citizens demanding rail service and the state
legislature.
Another public meeting was held on October 15, 1835 and a special committee petitioned
the General Assembly to incorporate the Lynchburg and Tennessee Railroad Company.
According to the petition, the railroad was to stretch from Lynchburg to Tennessee and connect
with the Nashville and New Orleans Railroad line. The bill was passed by the legislature on
March 11, 1836 but the line was to be constructed from Lynchburg to Richmond. In June 1836,
another meeting was held to recommend the western road. The General Assembly again passed
the bill and stopped advocating the road to Richmond. However, the controlling members of the
legislative body were more interested in building the new canal. In March 1839, the Assembly
66
Dorothy Brooks. “1812 survey of Waterway to West recalled.” Lynchburg Daily Advance, February 22, 1968
Norfolk & Western Railway. Lynchburg’s first railway: The Virginia & Tennessee. (n.p., 1936), 1
68
Ibid., 2
67
38
again passed a proposal to build the road from Lynchburg to Richmond. 69 The railroad continued
to stall at the state level in favor of the new canal despite continued pressure from influential
citizens in Lynchburg.
In 1840 as the railroad bill attempted to be passed by the General Assembly, the canal
was nearing completion. At the canal’s peak, the line stretched from Richmond to Buchanan for
a distance of two hundred miles. The grand waterway had thirty-eight locks, four stone dams,
numerous bridges and culverts. Travel up and down the new canal was frequently made by
packet or passenger boats which were all named for prominent Virginians. The first packet boat
was appropriately named for the former Chief Justice who had been so instrumental in the initial
surveying, John Marshall. 70 With the Marshall’s arrival in Lynchburg in 1840, the canal was
complete and ready for travel.
To aid in the navigation of the boats that were daily traveling upstream, a force of ninetysix men and twenty horses were required to pull against the current along the canal’s towpath. 71
Each boat was pulled by three horses and relayed for fifteen miles. The horses would then be
changed and housed at nice stables at each relay point. Freight boats were pulled by two mules
while two fresh mules were housed in the boat’s bow. Every six hours, the mules were
interchanged. 72
Passengers could ride on a packet boat three times per week and travel from Lynchburg
to Richmond in just thirty-six hours. In order to make the 144 mile trip, passengers were required
to pay $14.50 which provided two nights lodging and five meals. While the mode of
69
Ibid., 3
Marcus Toney. “Old Packet Boat.” Lynchburg News, October 28, 1914
71
Brooks
72
Toney
70
39
transportation might seem unusually lengthy, the travel was more pleasant when compared to
riding a dusty and bumpy stage coach. 73 The canal was such a success that by 1854, the James
River and Kanawha Canal Company fleet consisted of seventy-five decked boats, sixty open
boats and fifty-four bateaux. Over 865 men and 423 horses were also required to operate the
large fleet. 74
With the completion of the canal, public discussion continued in demand for a new
railroad line from Lynchburg to Tennessee. In 1845, another proposal came to the General
Assembly who again defeated the bill. In 1847, the legislature passed another bill that allowed
the canal to extend west to Buchanan. Lynchburg residents held yet another meeting in response
to a request from Buchanan residents to the General Assembly for the purposes of building a
railroad line in southwestern Virginia to Buchanan. Again, the legislature denied the proposal.
However, Lynchburgers would not be denied and held a second meeting. Members of the
railroad board sold $500,000 in stock to citizens who in turn sent another proposal to the General
Assembly which was again denied. After a second stock purchase, an additional proposal finally
passed and on March 24, 1848 the Lynchburg and Tennessee Railroad Company was
incorporated. 75
The young railroad company had achieved a monumental victory with the incorporation
but still faced an uphill struggle with a legislative body that heavily favored a grand waterway in
the Kanawha Canal. To gain additional support, railroad commission secretary Francis B. Deane
Jr wrote a letter to famed navigator and native Virginian LT Matthew F. Maury. Maury
responded to Deane via letter on June 20, 1848 with the example of Baltimore, Maryland and
73
Ibid.
Brooks
75
Norfolk & Western, 4
74
40
how politics can hinder great accomplishments. Maury stated that the city of Norfolk, Virginia
was home to the greatest shipping port and harbor in the world. However, Norfolk civic leaders
were embroiled in a battle with Richmond and Petersburg which forced other towns across the
state to grind to a halt. Cities such as Baltimore were moving forward in progress and were
unhindered by such blockades. Maury continued to state that Virginia was more concerned about
canals than railroads while Baltimore was building a canal to the mountains for rich mineral
wealth. There was great concern that although there was no other existing railroad line that was
as long as the Lynchburg and Tennessee line was projected to be, if Virginia failed to capitalize
on its opportunities and build the requested line, the project would fail.
Members of Tennessee’s Congressional delegation also attempted to help support the
new railroad. Congressman John Rogers wrote in a letter dated November 16 to fellow
Congressman William Cocke that he would very much like to see the railroad line completed.
Congressman Cocke then sent a letter on December 20 to Virginia Congressman and Lynchburg
representative Thomas Bocock stating that in 1843, Tennessee had warehouses that were full of
merchandise and the roads were full of wagons transporting materials from one city to another. A
railroad would expedite the shipping of merchandise from Lynchburg to Tennessee and other
places. In a response letter dated January 6, 1849 to Deane, Bocock apologized that the railroad
was looked upon with jealousy by friends of other schemes. Part of the frustration with the
legislature’s constant delays and denials could be found in the company charter in which there
was confirmation that a railroad that connected with Tennessee was of the utmost importance. 76
Yet, some members continued to block passage of the railroad bills to further other agendas.
Bocock acknowledged that there were more than sufficient resources in existence from which to
76
Virginia & Tennessee Railroad Company. The original charter of the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad Company
(Richmond: Dispatch Job Office, 1855)
41
begin building the line. The Congressman also stated that the line simply needed to extend the
road to the Tennessee state line and that those citizens would further extend the railroad from
Bristol to Memphis.
In early 1849, the General Assembly had one final bill to pass regarding the Lynchburg
and Tennessee Railroad Company when the name was changed to the Virginia and Tennessee
Railroad Company. After decades of struggle and multiple bills to the General Assembly, ground
was finally broken on the morning of January 16, 1850 for Lynchburg’s first railroad. Although
the air was bitter cold and the ground was covered with snow, excited spectators did not seem to
mind. At 11:00, Governor John B. Floyd arrived and lifted the first spade of dirt to formally
begin the construction. However, the beginning work would have a brief moment of controversy
as to the location of where the rails would be manufactured. The decision was soon made to
purchase 6,000 tons of rails that weighed sixty pounds per yard from two iron work foundries in
Wales. 77
The building of a railroad is a tremendous undertaking and the construction of the
Virginia and Tennessee line proved to be no different in difficulty. The line required tunneling
through several hundred feet of solid rock, building two large bridges and several cuts.
However, the workers persevered and the line to Liberty was completed by late March 1852. The
line was extended to the community of Big Lick (modern day Roanoke) on November 1, 1852. 78
On October 1, 1856, six years after its initial beginning, the Virginia and Tennessee line
was finally completed. Rail stretched from Lynchburg west to Bristol for a distance of just over
two hundred miles. What had originally been the dream for some took twenty-six years to come
77
78
Memorial of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad Company (n.p., 1851), 5
Ibid., 6
42
to realization. The new railroad brought prosperity and new businesses to Lynchburg along with
increased property values. 79
The Virginia and Tennessee was only the first railroad to bring rail service to Lynchburg.
On December 29, 1849 the Southside Railroad out of Petersburg was also being built.
Construction was completed on October 1, 1854 and the line extended from Petersburg east to
Lynchburg over a distance of 123 miles. The additional rail line not only brought increased
prosperity to Lynchburg, but a continuous line from Petersburg through Lynchburg to Bristol,
Tennessee was formed. Another bonus was the newly installed telegraph line that stretched from
Bristol to Lynchburg. 80
By 1850, the President and Directors of the newly formed Orange and Alexandria
Railroad Company sent a request to the General Assembly to extend the railroad from
Gordonsville in Northern Virginia to Lynchburg in the hopes of connecting with the Virginia and
Tennessee. One reason for the request was to accommodate a thriving and fertile portion of the
state while providing more expedient travel options for citizens who hoped to reach either
Richmond or Washington D.C. 81 The request was granted and a third railroad line through
Lynchburg was completed. The Virginia and Tennessee line ran east and west from Lynchburg
to Bristol, Tennessee. The Southside line ran from Lynchburg through Petersburg to the eastern
shores of Tidewater. The new Orange and Alexandria line nearly reached Lynchburg, stopping
at the riverbank north of the city. Stagecoaches met passengers on the northern bank and crossed
79
Ibid., 7
Memorial, 9
81
Ibid., 4
80
43
Lynch’s Bridge into Lynchburg to continue their travels. 82 Another economic upswing was
taking place in Tobacco Town.
By the middle to the close of the 1850s, Lynchburg was still, for the most part,
considered to be pro-Union. For that matter, so were the majority of other Virginia communities.
As other states in the Deep South began to talk about leaving the Union, Lynchburgers did not
share that same desire. Citizens knew that in a sectional conflict, Lynchburg would gain very
little but lose much. Perhaps the Virginian portrayed the city’s true feelings the best with its
motto “The rights of states and the Union of the states”. 83
Despite its pro-Union sentiment, there were still deeply held southern traditions and
customs that were observed in the city. During the 1851-52 academic year, Madison College in
Uniontown, Pennsylvania began holding classes with many of its faculty and students coming
from southern towns including Lynchburg. When the school’s administration announced in early
1855 that the student body would be desegregated, the majority of the school’s officials
disagreed. This opposition reached epic proportions when the college President announced at the
June 1855 commencement that he and the faculty had resigned and planned to open a new school
in the South. Several school officials met in Lynchburg and received a pledge from the city’s
elite citizens of $20,000 for the erection of buildings. On October 1, 1855, the first classes were
held at Lynchburg College. Students could enroll in college, preparatory or military instructional
courses. 84 During the next several years, Lynchburg College would bring culture to the city as
visiting speakers brought lectures and plays. Dudley Hall, the city auditorium located on Church
82
Chambers, 199
Elson, 120
84
Ibid., 130
83
44
Street, also hosted a variety of plays, concerts and shows. However, the carefree days in
Lynchburg would change in late 1859.
In mid-October 1859, a small group of armed men stormed the federal arsenal in
Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, seizing arms and attempting to incite a slave insurrection. The
insurgents killed a small number of local citizens and Colonel Robert E. Lee along with
Lieutenant J.E.B. Stuart was sent to take charge of a Marine detachment that had been dispatched
to quell the invasion. After a brief skirmish, the leader, a man named John Brown, was captured
and the uprising had stopped. Although located several hours away, the disturbance caused more
than a few people in Lynchburg to take notice. In the Virginian, an article described the event as
a “mysterious movement of insurgents who were animated by the frenzy of abolition and
determined to liberate the slaves.” 85 Many in Lynchburg were shocked by the events of Harper’s
Ferry and a cloud of gloom seemed to settle across the city. One letter to the Virginian stated the
local feeling best when the author noted that there was no military presence in Lynchburg to
assist local law enforcement if the events at Harper’s Ferry had occurred locally. Signed by
“Odin”, some believed that the letter had been written by the first Virginia and Tennessee
Railroad President, General Odin Clay. Regardless of the true identity of the author, the
sentiment behind the letter was rapidly understood. 86
Just two weeks after the John Brown raid, local lawyer Samuel Garland organized one
hundred men and formed the Lynchburg Home Guard. Garland was promptly elected Captain
and the man who later became a Confederate General began a military career. Joining the Home
Guard was a new cavalry company. The Wise Troop, named in honor of Virginia Governor
85
86
Virginian, October 19, 1859
Elson, 123
45
Henry Wise, was commanded by a retired Army officer, Captain R.C.W. Radford. Another
prominent local attorney who later rose in the Confederate ranks, Charles M. Blackford, joined
the Wise Troop as an enlisted cavalryman. 87
Three days prior to John Brown’s November 1859 execution, a public meeting was held
at Martin’s Tobacco warehouse to consider the subject of Virginia invasion by federal troops.
Many of the leading citizens still maintained strong pro-Union sentiment and did not wish nor
were prepared to secede with the rest of the Deep South. There was a common belief that the
arming of the community and state would be in the best interests of protecting loved ones and
property. It is interesting to note that although the citizens that attended the meeting and many in
Lynchburg held pro-Union sentiments, the time honored traditions of the South were strictly
observed. During the meeting, seven resolutions were passed. The first resolution was to
continue the institution of slavery and that any interference constituted a violation of law and
promised only an evil outcome. Marking the noticeable difference in the uneasiness that spread
across the city, Mayor William Branch appointed six additional night watchmen. 88 A heightened
sense of panic, tension and uncertainty closed out 1859 Lynchburg with most wondering what
would happen in the new decade of the 1860s.
The arrival of 1860 brought mixed feelings to many citizens. While business appeared to
be conducted as normal, there was also a noticeable increase in military activity. To mark the
beginning of the spring season, a flag raising presentation was held at Lynchburg College.
Participating in the event were the Lynchburg Home Guard, the Wise Troop and a new unit, the
Rifle Greys, which consisted of men who were considered to be too old to actively serve in the
87
88
Ibid.
Ibid.
46
military. Also introduced were the new college Corps of Cadets and the newly assembled brass
band. 89
Sectional tensions were still on the rise between the North and the South. A local wagon
manufacturer, John Bailey began advertising weekly in the Virginian that:
ABOLITIONISTS KILLED IN LYNCHBURG
The way to kill the northern fanatics is to buy your carriages, buggies and wagons at BAILEY’S, 184 Main Street,
Lynchburg and not send your money north to enrich and enable the Abolitionists to make Sharpe’s rifles and spears
to send to our Negroes to kill us with. – John Bailey 90
The Independence Day 1860 celebration in Lynchburg was a grand affair held at the city
fairgrounds. Joining the celebration were the various military units from the city which included
the introduction of another new unit, the Lynchburg Artillery. Charles Blackford delivered a
speech which followed the reading of the Declaration of Independence. During the evening, a
large catered meal was served followed by toasts made by Colonel D.A. Langhorne and Captain
Garland. Starting off the thirteen toasts was one to the rights of the states and the Union of the
states. Next were toasts to the Commonwealth of Virginia followed by one to the Army and
Navy of the United States. 91
The arrival of fall saw the introduction of sleeping car service on the Virginia and
Tennessee Railroad in September. During October, the stage coach service was expanded from
Lynchburg south to Chatham in Pittsylvania County. Of course, the arrival of fall also meant
that the country would elect a new political leader. Voters had four tickets from which to choose
a new President and Vice-President. The Republicans were represented by Abraham Lincoln
89
Ibid.
Virginian, March 16, 1860
91
Elson, 125
90
47
from Illinois and Hannibal Hamlin from Maine. Many Lynchburgers referred to the Republican
ticket as the “Black Republicans” that had a deep hatred for slavery and the southern people.
Secessionist Democrats were led by John Breckinridge of Kentucky and Joseph Lane of Oregon.
Endorsed by the newspaper Lynchburg Republican, the Union Democrats were represented by
Stephen Douglas of Illinois and H.V. Johnson of Georgia. The final ticket, the Constitutional
Union party and endorsed by the Virginian contained John Bell of Tennessee and Edward
Everett of Massachusetts. By Election Day, new Governor John Letcher had arrived in
Lynchburg which led to rumors that Virginia was preparing for a federal military invasion or a
slave insurrection. 92 At the end of the day, the election results were tallied. John Bell carried
Lynchburg with 960 votes. In second place was Breckinridge with 487 votes followed by
Stephen Douglas who received 132 votes. The man who would be President received either no
votes or none that were officially recorded. 93
In the days following the election, the downcast feelings that had been felt in 1859
returned again. Economic problems began to return among the city’s businesses. Susan
Blackford wrote that in the days following South Carolina’s secession, “Virginia’s relatively
ineffective leaders sought to avoid the holocaust that was looming ahead.” 94 Soon industries
began to feel the economic pinch as noted in the Virginian that business was dull and money
scarce. 95 Just one week later, Virginian editor Charles Button wrote a scathing editorial stating
that a record number of Lynchburgers were destitute of the common life necessities, but that did
not stop the city’s elite from hosting extravagant parties and wasting hundreds of thousands of
92
Virginian, November 1, 1860
Elson, 128
94
Charles M. and Susan C. Blackford. Memoirs of life in and out of the Army of Virginia during the War Between
the States. 2 volumes. (Lynchburg: Warwick House Publishing, 1996), 7
95
Virginian, December 13, 1860
93
48
dollars that could have fed thousands of people. 96 The elite parties to which Button referred were
often hosted by Captain and Mrs. Garland. Attendees often dressed in the style of French
aristocracy of big wigs, silk stockings, knee buckles, long vests, velvet coats and cocked or laced
hats. 97 Parties that resembled the court of Louis XIV reminded many of the pending French
Revolution. Little did many know just how close the resemblance was to another war.
January 4, 1861 was declared by President James Buchanan to be a National Day of
Fasting and Prayer. 98 A relief society restarted in Lynchburg with Mayor Branch serving as
President. The goal of the group was to attempt to alleviate some of the suffering in the city. 99
Two weeks later, the Relief Society raised $429.20 and helped sixty-five families. Sadly, the
funds were soon exhausted and little more was raised. 100
On February 2, 1861, Lynchburg voters elected delegates to a called state convention to
discuss the issue of secession. Even after the election and increased tensions, Lynchburg was still
pro-Union and demonstrated this by overwhelmingly voting for two Unionist candidates. John
Speed received 1,033 votes and Charles Slaughter earned 1,025 votes compared to Disunionist
candidates John Goggin with 374 votes and Thomas Kirkpatrick with 367 votes. At the
convention, 75% of the delegates were slaveholders, but surprisingly still aired a voice of
moderation. As late as April 4, 1861, delegates voted 85-45 not to secede. 101 Then came the
hostilities at Fort Sumter and Lynchburg, Virginia and the rest of the country would never be the
same.
96
Virginian, December 19, 1860
Elson, 129
98
Ibid.
99
Virginian, January 21, 1861
100
Virginian, February 8, 1861
101
Elson, 130
97
49
Following the fighting at Fort Sumter, members of the Virginia delegation went to meet
with President Lincoln in Washington D.C. in a desperate attempt to cease further hostilities.
The movement was too late and on April 15, 1861, President Lincoln issued a call for 75,000
volunteers from all states to put down the growing rebellion in South Carolina. 102 The next day,
Virginia Governor Letcher responded in the same manner as many other southern governors. In a
response telegram to Secretary of War Simon Cameron, Letcher stated that:
In reply to this communication I have only to say that the militia of Virginia will not be furnished to the
powers at Washington for any such use or purpose as they have in view. Your object is to subjugate the Southern
states, and a requisition made upon me for such an object – an object, in my judgment, not within the purview of the
Constitution or the act of 1795 will not be complied with. You have chosen to inaugurate civil war, and having done
so, we will meet it in a spirit as determined as the Administration has exhibited towards the South.103
On April 17, 1861, the Virginia delegation again met and overwhelmingly voted 88-55 to
secede. The citizens of Lynchburg who had previously been in overwhelming favor of staying
pro-Union now voted unanimously 1486-0 to secede. As a result, local military units began to
swell in great numbers as patriotic Virginians rushed to defend their beloved homeland from the
pending invasion by federal troops. The Wise Troop expanded after local recruiting and became
a full regiment known as the Second Virginia Cavalry. 104 The Lynchburg Home Guard became
part of the Eleventh Virginia Infantry. From the day of secession to December 1861, more than
401 residents volunteered for military duty in ten different companies. In early 1862, sixty-eight
additional men enlisted in two additional companies. The few remaining Unionists that were left
in Lynchburg felt it wise to keep their views quietly. 105
102
Ibid.
U.S. Government: War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate
Armies. 128 parts in 70 volumes and Atlas. (Washington DC: Government Printing Office, 1880 – 1901), Series 3,
Volume 1, 76. Hereafter referred to as the OR.
104
Elson, 131
105
Ibid., 139
103
50
In June 1861, the Second Virginia Cavalry left Lynchburg for Richmond amidst a grand
celebration by hundreds of citizens. But just as local military units left for further assignment in
Richmond, additional military units from across the state as well as the South arrived in
Lynchburg via the railroads as the city began its new role as an induction center. Virginia troops
were mustered at Camp Davis and placed under the command of Colonel Jubal Early. Troops
from other southern states were housed at the city fairgrounds. However, with the additional
soldiers came additional problems. During the coming days and weeks, there were an increased
amount of robberies, fights, drunken brawls and murders of soldiers. The Rifle Greys had to be
called out to help the police restore order. 106
While other cities and small towns such as Gordonsville or Charlottesville were railroad
terminals, no city had so far to fall as Lynchburg. What had been a quiet and romantic Southern
city before the war rapidly turned into a large military encampment, one of the largest hospital
centers in the South and a Confederate quartermaster depot as well the location for a Federal
prison which in time would hold between two hundred to two thousand Union troops. 107
Beginning in 1862, citizens were starting to feel the effects of the war. Inflation began
creeping in as prices began to rise to record levels. For example, a sack of salt in the 1850’s only
cost $3.50 while the same sack cost $20.00 by 1862. In an attempt to help provide for the
material strapped Confederate military, local foundries worked hard to produce arms, munitions,
wagons, caissons and uniforms. Churches donated bells as a result of the iron and metal
shortages. Deane’s Foundry went from producing sleeping cars for the railroad to turning church
bells into cannon. Richard Shepherd and Company repaired captured Federal muskets. The
106
Ibid., 140
Peter Houck. A prototype of a Confederate hospital center in Lynchburg, Virginia (Lynchburg: Warwick House,
1996), 6
107
51
Phoenix Foundry made percussion caps. John Bailey who had earlier advertised about killing
abolitionists produced two wagons and four caissons per day for the Army. Cavalry regiments
were forced to provide personal horses which became harder as the war continued over the four
years. 108 As difficult as the early years of the war was for Lynchburg and much of the country,
things would only get harder as time went on.
As the war began, small southern cities were not prepared for the blood and gore that
appeared in the thousands of troops that arrived on local railroads seeking medical aid.
Lynchburg was chosen as a hospital center due to the existence of the railroads, the numerous
tobacco warehouses that could easily be converted to hospitals and the fact that much of the war
occurred more than one hundred miles made Lynchburg remote and therefore safe enough for
recovering troops. 109 With the establishment of the hospital complex, Lynchburg was considered
to be a prototype of the Virginia railroad towns that were quietly tucked away from the
battlefields and forced to become a hospital city. 110 In 1861, the city’s population was 6,000
which meant that the daily arrival of 1,500 wounded soldiers would easily overwhelm the local
citizens. 111
The three railroads terminating in Lynchburg that was once essential to the tobacco
commerce became more important in bringing thousands of wounded soldiers from the
battlefield to a hospital. Field hospitals were usually only a collection of tents and ambulance
wagons that often were required to be moved as the army left an area. Soldiers that needed to
have long term care often hindered the forward movement of troops. An answer was found in
108
Ibid.
“Tobacco center converted to Confederate hospital city” (Lynchburg: n.p.), 1. Hereafter referred as Tobacco
Center.
110
Houck, 9
111
Ibid, 13
109
52
transporting hundreds of troops via the railroad to other cities. But there were problems
encountered from bringing troops in this method. Many soldiers who arrived at the railroad depot
died of dehydration and exposure, often without seeing a doctor. During the peak casualty runs
from events such as the battle of the Wilderness, men were laid out at the depot and exposed to
the open air and weather without receiving prompt medical attention in a “tobacco hospital.”
Another problem was that the railroad boxcars often hurried the progress of the disease by being
poorly ventilated in the summer weather and not heated during the winter. Trying to get multiple
wounded soldiers to area hospitals, boxcars were often overcrowded with wounded and infected
men with poor hygiene which created a horrible stench.
112
By 1862, 1251 soldiers left the
hospitals horizontally instead of vertically and were buried in the city cemetery. 113
In order to meet the immediate need for additional hospitals, multiple buildings that were
large and had sufficient open room were used. The first choice due mainly to its size and
availability was Lynchburg College. The start of the war caused financial problems for the young
school. The lack of financial support, low student enrollment due to military enlistment and the
resignation of several faculty members caused the Board of Trustees to vote on closing the
school and allow the Confederate military to use the buildings. 114 Another choice was the
Warwick Hotel on Main Street which would serve as a hospital for a temporary time as well as
the housing location for the more than twenty medical officers that were transferred to
Lynchburg. 115
112
Ibid., 3
Houck, 11
114
Elson, 131
115
Ibid., 154
113
53
The most unusual establishment of a hospital was not without controversy. Senior
Surgeon in Charge Doctor William O. Owen enjoyed a reputation as a competent surgeon but
often had trouble with authority. When Doctor Owen was approached by sixty year old Lucy
Otey with a request to open a hospital that would be run by the five hundred members of the
Ladies Relief Society, Owen sneered in disgust that “flies and women are both undesirable in
hospital settings.” Otey, a recent widow with the death of her War of 1812 husband, Captain
John Otey, was not to be denied and appealed to Richmond and President Jefferson Davis. Davis
not only approved Otey’s request to open the hospital, but appointed the widow as an officer in
the Confederate Army. It was the policy of the Confederate government that only military
officials were allowed to lead hospitals. 116
Following President Davis’ approval, Otey and the Ladies Relief Society opened the
hospital at the City Hotel. The women provided such quality care for the wounded soldiers that
former nurse Mary Forsberg later wrote that it became an unwritten law to send the worst
wounded soldiers to the Ladies Relief Hospital who had the lowest mortality rate of any hospital
in Lynchburg for the duration of the war. Perhaps one reason was the personal touch that the
women extended to the soldiers. One example is shared by Mary Forsberg recalling the efforts of
one local woman:
At one point, there were more than ten thousand sick and wounded soldiers in the city. This was before
disinfectants and sterile dressings came into use. Bandages were often very stiff and painful. One specific woman,
Mrs. Henry Lewis came in at 5:00 each morning and brought soft cloths from home. She would go to as many beds
as necessary, remove the stiff bandages, wash the soldier’s wounds with clean water and place clean soft bandages
so that the open sores would not stick to the clothes. The soldier who had been awake throughout the night and in
intense pain with the stiff bandage sticking to clothes could now rest easily. 117
116 “
117
Tobacco center”, 3
Mary Forsberg. Hospital reminiscences during the War Between the States 1861 – 1865. (Lynchburg, 1901)
54
Many of the wounded from Manassas were brought to Lynchburg. The overflow required
an additional fifty to sixty surgeons and over four hundred medical personnel. By the end of July
1861, over 1250 soldiers had died in Lynchburg. 118 Lynchburg College as the largest hospital
had the highest casualty rate with 20,000 casualties and 288 deaths during the first year. As the
war continued, it became clear that additional hospitals would be needed in the city. Tobacco
warehouses became the obvious choice due to the available room and significant number of
buildings.
In April 1862, the first three tobacco warehouses were converted into hospitals. Booker,
Christian and Saunders warehouses became general hospitals. 119 These types of hospitals
allowed many practitioners who could not progress further in the medical profession the
opportunity to not only gain immediate work, but actual hands on experience with a variety of
trauma. Many local doctors had enlisted to fight on the battlefield and not practice medicine. 120
Before long, there was a need to open additional hospitals throughout Lynchburg.
Nineteen tobacco warehouses and thirteen other buildings combined to create the sprawling
Lynchburg Confederate hospital center. Fourteen of the warehouses were permanent locations
and five were established for temporary use. Of the thirteen remaining buildings, seven were to
be used as permanent sites and six were for only temporary use. The hospitals were divided into
type (General, Specialty) and divisions with each location having a doctor in charge.
When the wounded soldiers arrived at the railroad depot, medical personnel brought the
men to Wayside Hospital for a form of triage. Based upon each soldier’s condition, a
determination was made as to where the best help could be provided. For many, soldiers were
118
Houck, 16
Ibid.
120
“Tobacco Center”, 4
119
55
sent to one of the many General hospitals throughout the city. Union prisoners were sent to the
Fairgrounds. The worst cases were sent to the Ladies Relief Hospital for special care. Surgeries
often took place at the Odd Fellows Hall and convalescents were sent to Camp Nicholls. Troops
that had contracted small pox were immediately sent to the Pest House located within the
Methodist Cemetery. There, Dr. John Terrell made significant changes that not only helped
existing smallpox patients, but in just a short time, lowered the mortality rate from fifty to
five percent. 121
Permanent Hospitals
Booker
Burton
Candler
Christian
Claytor
Crumpton
Ferguson
Ford
Knight
Langhorne
Miller
Reid
Saunders
Taliaferro
Fairgrounds
Lynchburg College
Pest House
Union Hotel (Ladies Relief)
Warwick Hotel
Wayside Hospital
Hospital Type
Temporary Hospitals
General
Chamber
General
Massie
General
Planter
General
Sheau
General
Wade
General
Camp Davis
General
Camp Nicholls
General
Dudley Hall
General
Norvell Hotel
General
Odd Fellows Hall
General
Washington Hotel
General
General
General
Union Prisoner of War camp
General
Small Pox
Nursing
General
Triage
Hospital Type122
Genera
General
General
General
General
General
Convalescents
General
General
Surgery
General
Throughout the course of the war, Lynchburg hospitals treated tens of thousands of
wounded men. Yet the local funeral home, Diuguid Funeral Service only had just fewer than
2,100 burials during the period of 1861 – 1865. According to Diuguid’ s records, the lowest
fatality was one in February 1865 while the highest month was January 1863 with 196 deaths
due to a smallpox epidemic. Between May and September 1862, a typhoid fever outbreak
121
Dr. John J. Terrell. “A Confederate Surgeon’s Story.” Confederate Veteran’s Magazine, December 1931 (n.p.),
457
122
Houck, 145
56
resulted in 776 deaths. The Battle of the Wilderness resulted in 405 fatalities from May through
July 1864.123
Locations of Major Hospitals in Lynchburg during the Civil War.
Taken by author, Old City Cemetery, Lynchburg VA. 2014
123
Diuguid Funeral Service. Burial Records 1861 - 1865
57
Civil War Trails sign located on last remaining hospital, Lynchburg VA. Taken by author, 2014
Knight hospital which was converted from a tobacco warehouse. Built in 1845, it is the last remaining Civil War
hospital still standing in Lynchburg, VA out of 32 in existence during the war. Taken by author, 2012.
58
Former Miller hospital built in 1845 and collapsed in 2012. Picture taken by author, 2012
One of the newer hospitals opened in 1862 at the city fairgrounds. Previously used to
house southern troops, the large acreage was converted into a prisoner of war camp for captured
Union soldiers. By this time, the Richmond prisons were overflowing and an auxiliary prison
system needed to be established. The first auxiliary prison was set up in Lynchburg due to its
remote location. The fairgrounds continued to host Confederate soldiers, many of whom were
from North Carolina, who often volunteered to serve as guards. The prison was a line camp in
that a boundary line was drawn around the facility. If a prisoner crossed the line in an attempt to
escape, the guards had orders to shoot to kill. Designed in April 1862 to hold 500 prisoners, the
camp soon stretched to overflowing with more than 3,000 prisoners captured by Jackson during
59
the Shenandoah Valley campaign in mid-June 1862. Local gardeners sold food and fresh
vegetables to the prisoners who had little to no rations due to the food shortages throughout the
Confederacy. The death toll rose during the summer of 1862 due to heat exhaustion and typhoid
fever. 124 The country had been torn apart by war for only two years, but would continue to suffer
hardships for the next three years.
1863 brought continued hardships for not only Lynchburg but for the rest of the
Confederacy as hard fought battles took its toll on the male population. Perhaps the hardest trial
came in May 1863 with the death of Confederate hero Lieutenant General Thomas “Stonewall”
Jackson. In cities across the south, thousands of citizens put on mourning wear for the now
deceased soldier. Everyone it seemed wanted an opportunity to memorialize Jackson and the
citizens of Lynchburg had their chance. When the train arrived from Richmond bearing the
General’s casket and waiting on the funeral party to board the John Marshall packet boat on the
Kanawha Canal for passage to Lexington and burial, Mayor Branch had an idea. There was to be
a grand and glorious funeral service held for General Jackson as well as a processional. Included
in the procession were 1,500 wounded soldiers who were in various city hospitals and had
marched with Jackson. After the funeral service and the end of the procession, the funeral party
proceeded to Lexington and the Virginia Military Institute. 125
As 1863 turned into 1864, the country continued to feel the brutal effects of civil war.
Generations of men were extinguished in a single battle. Towns across the south faced the harsh
realities of war with food shortages, inflation and the complete desolation of land due to the
constant fighting that often occurred between the warring armies. Lynchburg was in a remote
124
125
Dr. Clifton Potter. Lecture on Union prison camp, August 28, 2014.
Lib Wiley. “Old Clipping tells of historic voyage of Packet Boat Marshall.” Daily Advance, March 2, 1960
60
enough location that the full effects of the war did not make a significant impact as sister cities in
northern Virginia such as Winchester or Warrenton. That fortune would change in June 1864
with the arrival of General David Hunter.
Confederate officials were not the only ones who took a special notice to the many
railroad lines that fed through Lynchburg. President Abraham Lincoln described the Virginia and
Tennessee railroad as the “Gut of the South”. Besides serving as a railroad terminal, Lynchburg
was also the depot for the Army of Northern Virginia’s commissary and quartermaster stores that
were gathered between Lynchburg and Knoxville, Tennessee. The few medical supplies that
existed for the Confederacy were also stored in railroad storage. 126 General U.S. Grant was
convinced that if Lynchburg could be removed as a rail terminal for just a few days, General
Robert E. Lee would have little choice but to surrender the Army of Northern Virginia. 127
In a telegram to General David Hunter, the commander of the Department of West
Virginia, Grant stated that General Phil Sheridan was leaving on June 7 for Charlottesville in
order to destroy the Central Railroad (later the Chesapeake & Ohio railroad). Grant ordered
Hunter to operate in the same manner in regards to both the Orange and Alexandria railroad and
the Kanawha Canal. After reaching Staunton, Hunter was to travel towards Lynchburg via the
Charlottesville road and destroy the Orange and Alexandria as well as related bridges. After
capturing Lynchburg and destroying bridges, Hunter was to join Sheridan and move east together
as a united army and combine forces with Grant who was going to move the army south of the
James River and attack Lee at Petersburg. 128
126
Charles M. Blackford. Campaign and battle of Lynchburg, Virginia (Lynchburg: Warwick House, 1994), 1
Trickery, triage and triumph: Lynchburg every day of the war”, (Lynchburg: Discover Lynchburg, n.d.) 20
128
Grant, 282
127
61
Grant left the option up to Hunter as to determining the best method of carrying out the
orders. Hunter turned to one of his trusted cavalry commanders, General William Averell for the
purposes of writing an operations plan with the intent of executing the plan within the next five
days. By June 9, 1864, Averell showed Hunter a plan which was ordered to be immediately
carried out. Composing Hunter’s army of just over 36,500 troops were two infantry and two
cavalry divisions as well as eight batteries of artillery. Leading the infantry were Generals
Sullivan and Crook while Generals Duffie and Averell headed the cavalry. With such a large
army, Hunter exuded supreme confidence and frequently bragged to Secretary of War Stanton
about great deeds that were going to take place. 129
As Hunter was making his grand exit from Staunton on June 10 with the large army
marching in four columns, the city of Lynchburg was quiet and only guarded by seven hundred
recovering soldiers in the multitude of hospitals or the invalid corps of the crippled commanded
by General Francis Nicholls. General Nicholls had been recovering in a local hospital after
losing his left arm at First Winchester and his left foot at Chancellorsville. The Confederate War
Department thought it would be better if Nicholls was removed from action and thus moved him
to command the military post at Lynchburg. In his honor, the invalid corps established Camp
Nicholls. 130
A small detachment of the Army of Northern Virginia, previously under the command of
the late General William Jones, left Piedmont and made a hard forced march to Lynchburg. The
detachment was placed under the command of General John Breckinridge, the former United
States Vice-President who was now commander of the Confederate States Department of
129
130
Blackford, 2
Ibid., 9
62
Southwest Virginia. Breckinridge was an invalid recovering in a Lynchburg bed due to his horse
having been shot out and then falling upon him at Cold Harbor. Along with the invalid corps and
Breckinridge’s troops were the six guns of the Botetourt artillery under the command of Captain
H.C. Douthat who had been positioned in southwestern Virginia. 131
On June 11, the Botetourt artillery was ordered to report to Staunton via a freight train on
the Orange and Alexandria railroad. On the way to Staunton, the regiment encountered part of
General Duffie’s raiders in Arrington and as a result, spared the railroad bridge. The artillery unit
was unable to continue further due to the destroyed rails and returned to Lynchburg. 132 While
Duffie’s raiders were encountering significant delays, General Sheridan was detained at
Trevillian’s Depot in Louisa County by General Wade Hampton’s cavalry which created
disorganized confusion. Sheridan was forced to retreat to Grant’s location which left the main
road open for Lee to send reinforcements quickly to Lynchburg. 133
Lee took full advantage of the opportunity by ordering General Jubal Early on June 12 to
communicate with General Breckinridge and orchestrate a combined attack on Hunter. Lee’s
plan was for Breckinridge to attack the front of Hunter while Early attacked the rear. There was
only one problem to the plan. Hunter was under fifty miles away while Early was more than 160
miles from Lynchburg. 134 Early was able to use the railroad for approximately sixty miles, but
the heavily destroyed rails significantly slowed travel. Then something happened that worked to
Early’s advantage.
131
Ibid., 11
Ibid., 13
133
Ibid., 15
134
Ibid., 16
132
63
When Hunter had left Staunton, the army had grand visions and a great plan in place to
capture Lynchburg. Then the General arrived in Lexington and things changed immediately.
Instead of traveling rapidly onto Lynchburg, Hunter spent two days in the small town and burned
numerous homes, including that of Governor John Letcher, although many only had women left
to protect them. The Virginia Military Institute also suffered extensive damage as a result of
Hunter’s wrath. Nearby Washington College was barely saved from ruin when locals pleaded
with Hunter not to burn the school named for the first General of the Army. While the college
was spared from being set ablaze, it would not be spared from Union troops looting and
destroying much of the books and papers that were kept there.
By June 16, Early had reached Charlottesville, having marched eighty miles in four days.
A telegram was soon received by Early from Breckinridge stating that Hunter had moved to the
town of Liberty which was twenty-five miles away. Choosing to use the rails as the fastest form
of transportation, Early turned to the Orange and Alexandria for help. There was only one engine
and a few cars that were available for use. Duffie’s raiders had failed to seriously damage the
railroad and telegraph system between Charlottesville and Lynchburg and both had been repaired
within two days. By the morning of June 17, Early had moved the half of the II Corps by rail in
one day. General Ramseur’s division and one of General Gordon’s brigades arrived in
Lynchburg to a hero’s welcome during the afternoon. General Rodes’ division and the rest of
Gordon’s brigades were ordered to march parallel to the tracks and meet the train as it returned
towards Charlottesville. As a native Lynchburger, Rodes’ requested that Early allow his division
to be among the first to arrive in the city for the purposes of defending home and family. For an
64
unknown reason, Early denied the request and as a result, Rodes’ division did not arrive in
Lynchburg until the evening of June 18th. 135
When Early arrived in Lynchburg, Breckinridge was still recovering in bed. General D.H.
Hill had been sent to Lynchburg and was ordered by Early to reconnoiter and establish defensive
lines. Hill established the lines close to the city limit on College Hill and placed Breckinridge’s
infantry, Virginia Military Institute Corps of Cadets, the Nicholls’ Invalid Corps and the
Botetourt artillery to defend the city. When Early arrived to inspect the lines, he chastised Hill
for placing the lines too close to the city and believed that enemy shells would destroy the down
town area. Moving the lines further out, Early placed members of the II Corps, Breckinridge’s
troops and the Botetourt artillery at the new post.
136
Another defensive line known as the outer defenses was established during the evening of
June 17 across the Lynchburg – Salem turnpike approximately two miles from the city limits and
one and one-half miles from Hill’s line at College Hill. General John Imboden and a cavalry
regiment were placed at Fort Early on the Lynchburg – Salem turnpike approximately four miles
from the old Quaker church while General John McCausland’s small regiment was placed near a
small bridge on the hill blocking Forest Road and Union cavalry headquartered nearby. Having
a goal of keeping the enemy in check, the Confederates held for only a moment as the larger
advancing army crept closer to the city. 137
The initial skirmish between the two armies began at 4:00 on the afternoon of June 17
and ended at nightfall. In an attempt to trick the larger army into believing that additional
reinforcements were arriving, Early had the engine from the Southside railroad run all night long
135
Ibid.,19
Ibid., 21
137
Ibid., 21
136
65
and blow its whistle while crowds cheered and a brass band played. Near the old Quaker church,
Hunter and his staff which included future Presidents McKinley and Hayes began to reconsider
their strategy. During the night of June 18 and into the predawn hours of June 19, the Union
army began its long retreat to West Virginia. The battle of Lynchburg was over in an
embarrassing fashion for the mighty Hunter who lost one hundred men to the Confederates six
casualties. 138
Although Lynchburg had been spared capture by Hunter and the Union forces, the war
was far from over as thousands of wounded troops continued to pour into the city. One example
of how Lynchburg’s hospital center was seen as a vital piece in caring for the wounded can be
witnessed by examining the hospital admission records for September 7, 1864. According to the
Confederate Medical Director’s office in Richmond, Virginia, there were 8,313 admissions to
various state military hospitals that were outside of the massive Chimborazo hospital complex in
Richmond. Of these admissions, 1,348 or sixteen percent went to Staunton, a railroad community
near one end of Shenandoah Valley. 1,059 or thirteen percent were sent to Mount Jackson, a
small railroad community at the opposite end of the Shenandoah Valley. Petersburg, the great
city that was in the midst of a long siege, received 1,644 or twenty percent of the casualties.
Lynchburg, however, approximately two hours in modern driving time from Petersburg, received
1,728 or twenty-one percent of the wounded. 139
Although the Battle of Lynchburg had been successful for the Confederacy, it was only
one victory against numerous defeats as the war effort continued to go very badly for the South.
As 1864 turned into 1865, the Confederacy was struggling financially, starving physically and
138
139
Chambers, 204
Houck, 187
66
running out of men and ammunition. As Richmond fell, the end was in sight for the once proud
Confederacy. Finally, on April 9, 1865, Generals Lee and Grant met to bring the hostilities
between the two armies to an end at Appomattox, a small village located just twenty-five miles
east of Lynchburg. Although Johnston and Sherman would meet in North Carolina two weeks
later to discuss the final surrender terms of the war, for all intents and purposes, the surrender of
Lee ended the war.
Lynchburg and the rest of the South now had to pick up the pieces and try to restore some
sense of order, rebuild their lives and for the first time, work without the assistance of numerous
slaves. Questions abounded about what to do next, not only for broken white families, but for
the suddenly surplus amount of newly freed blacks. The five year period of Reconstruction
brought out the best in some citizens while at the same time, the worst in others. More
importantly, Lynchburg and other cities within Virginia would be ruled by the sworn and hated
enemies, Federal troops and abolitionists from the North. As families began to work together and
attempted to restore some sense of normalcy, former slaves began to slowly become accustomed
to new freedoms. Men with dollar signs in their eyes, carpet bags in their hands and convincing
words on their lips also arrived in attempts to become wealthier at the expense of families that
were torn asunder. As with hundreds of cities across the South, Lynchburg was at the beginning
of a new era, one that brought restored hope and renewed promise. The length of Reconstruction
would depend largely on how well all of the citizens put aside their differences and opinions
from before the war for the sake of rebuilding a city after the war.
67
ELEVENTH VIRGINIA INFANTRY
During the four long years of civil war, there were 1,507 men that enlisted in the ten
companies that made up the Eleventh Virginia Infantry. The majority of the enlistments took
place during the period of April 1861 – April 1862. Five specific companies were formed and
officially mustered into service during the week that Virginia seceded from the Union. Four of
the five companies were from Lynchburg with the fifth company coming from Fincastle. During
the period of May 17 – June 9, 1861, an additional five companies mustered into Confederate
service. 140 The total enlistments of the five Lynchburg companies (A, B, E, G, H) were 787
soldiers. By the end of the war, the Lynchburg companies had lost 296 men for a casualty rate of
thirty-eight percent.
Company
Name
Location
Date of Muster
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
Rifle Greys
Southern Guard
Clifton Greys
Fincastle Rifles
Lynchburg Rifles
Preston Guards
Home Guard
Jeff Davis Guard
Rough & Ready Rifles
Valley Regulators
Lynchburg
Lynchburg
Mount Zion
Fincastle
Lynchburg
Christiansburg
Lynchburg
Lynchburg
Martinsville
Roaring Run
April 22, 1861
April 23, 1861
May 16, 1861
April 23, 1861
April 19, 1861
May 29, 1861
April 23, 1861
May 15, 1861
May 15, 1861
May 25, 1861
Enlistments 1861
1862
1863
1864
1865
Total
Staff
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
TOTAL
3
13
28
84
49
20
59
56
10
19
17
328
2
6
11
5
5
4
1
4
4
0
6
48
0
22
10
9
7
16
14
14
19
7
7
125
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
9
157
159
154
148
149
174
204
118
110
125
1507
140
3
116
110
86
86
109
100
130
85
84
95
1004
Jerald Markham. 11th Virginia Infantry. (Athens, GA: New Papyrus Publishing, 2011), 8
68
The youngest enlistee was a mere sixteen years old while the oldest member was fifty-five years
old. The average height of each man was 5’9” while the shortest was 5’ ½” and the tallest was
6’3”. Throughout the four years of war, twenty men were wounded more than once. One
particular soldier, Martin Van Buren Hickok was wounded five times and held as a prisoner of
war twice. The unit took part in approximately forty-three engagements between Blackburn’s
Ford on July 18, 1861 and the surrender at Appomattox on April 9, 1865.
COMPANY
Staff
E
K
I
A
B
C
D
H
I
K
F
H
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
B
C
D
E
F
G
K
A
B
D
E
F
G
ENGAGEMENT
Blackburn’s Ford
“
“
“
“
Munson’s Hill
Dranesville
DATE
7/18/61
“ “
“ “
8/27/61
12/20/61
Yorktown
4/62
Williamsburg
5/5/62
Seven Pines
5/31/62
Mechanicsville
6/26/62
Frazier’s Farm
6/30/62
KIA
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
2
0
0
6
2
6
7
0
2
1
2
3
4
0
4
4
5
3
4
8
2
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
2
0
1
0
2
MWIA
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
5
2
0
3
1
0
0
1
0
3
0
2
1
2
1
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
WIA
0
2
1
0
0
3
3
0
1
2
6
0
1
7
4
13
9
4
10
11
3
3
0
8
25
4
19
11
13
21
2
9
4
5
0
1
1
2
5
0
2
2
1
1
1
3
POW
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
2
1
2
1
3
7
2
9
4
1
3
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
5
3
0
0
3
1
3
2
5
2
7
1
TOTAL
1
2
1
1
1
3
4
2
3
2
8
2
2
15
8
27
25
6
24
17
6
9
6
8
32
8
26
15
19
30
4
14
5
6
5
4
2
3
0
2
6
6
6
4
10
7
69
COMPANY
H
I
K
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
F
B
C
D
E
F
G
I
K
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
K
B
E
F
I
K
C
C
D
F
H
I
K
I
D
E
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
ENGAGEMENT
DATE
Second Manassas
8/30/62
Maryland Campaign
Boonsboro
9/1862
9/14/62
Sharpsburg
9/17/62
Williamsport
9/20/62
Shepherdstown
Fredericksburg
10/10/62
12/13/62
Beverly’s Ford
Suffolk
4/15/63
4/18/63
Newbern
Gettysburg
4/1863
7/3/63
KIA
1
0
2
0
2
2
0
0
3
2
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
2
8
0
4
3
5
1
3
3
MWIA
1
0
1
0
0
0
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
0
2
2
1
2
0
WIA
1
1
3
4
15
4
1
2
3
0
3
4
0
3
2
2
4
1
3
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
3
1
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
10
11
8
4
5
10
13
5
10
8
POW
4
2
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
3
0
2
1
2
2
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
5
10
9
4
7
14
8
6
14
10
TOTAL
7
3
6
8
17
6
3
3
7
0
3
5
3
4
3
6
4
4
6
3
3
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
4
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
17
24
27
9
16
29
28
13
29
21
70
COMPANY
D
I
I
I
B
C
G
I
B
C
D
G
H
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
A
B
C
E
F
H
I
F
C
F
D
G
C
B
C
E
F
G
I
K
B
B
C
D
H
I
K
A
B
C
D
E
ENGAGEMENT
Greencastle, PA
Kelly’s Ford
Mine Run
Cherry Grove, VA
DATE
7/8/63
8/6 – 9/15/63
11/28/63
3/3/64
Plymouth, NC
4/18/64
Drewry’s Bluff
5/16/64
Milford Station
5/20/64
Gaines’ Mill
Mechanicsville
FT Howell
Chester’s Station
Glen View
Hatcher’s Run
Petersburg
6/3/64
6/14/64
6/17/64
8/12/64
3/21/65
3/30/65
4/1865
White Oak Road
Dinwiddie Court House
4/1/65
4/1/65
Five Forks
4/1/65
KIA
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
3
0
1
1
3
1
1
1
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
1
0
MWIA
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
2
1
1
0
3
0
1
2
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
WIA
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
3
1
12
12
7
3
7
5
12
1
5
0
2
0
2
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
4
1
1
0
POW
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5
2
19
17
16
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
3
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
11
26
7
17
7
TOTAL
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
4
2
7
1
14
15
11
5
8
9
12
2
7
3
7
3
21
17
16
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
3
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
13
30
8
19
7
71
COMPANY
F
G
H
I
K
E
F
I
K
B
E
F
C
D
A
B
C
D
E
F
I
K
A
D
F
G
K
C
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
Company Totals
Staff
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
Totals
141
ENGAGEMENT
DATE
Ford’s Depot
4/2/65
Deep Creek
Amelia Court House
4/2/65
4/3/65
Richmond retreat
4/5/65
Fisher’s Creek & Farmville
4/6/65
Sayler’s Creek
4/6/65
Appomattox
Unknown events
Enlistments
9
157
159
154
148
149
174
204
118
110
125
1,507
4/9/65
7/1861 – 4/1865
KIA
1
12
12
24
18
10
12
29
10
10
17
309
MWIA
0
1
9
12
10
4
16
6
3
6
3
140
WIA
0
43
75
60
48
39
46
76
16
36
32
942
KIA
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
MWIA
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
WIA
0
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
3
POW
12
15
5
5
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
2
1
1
9
8
5
3
1
8
9
9
1
4
1
1
0
1
5
2
2
3
0
1
2
1
6
3
TOTAL
13
18
5
5
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
2
1
1
9
8
5
3
0
8
9
9
1
4
1
2
1
1
6
4
3
3
1
1
2
1
6
6 141
POW
0
41
67
60
54
40
80
42
21
55
31
982
Total Casualties Enlistment %
1
11%
97 (54)
34.3%
163 (88)
55.3%
156 (96)
62.3%
130 (82)
55.4%
92 (53)
35.5%
154 (108)
62%
144 (68)
33.3%
49 (33)
27.9%
104 (68)
61.8%
83 (51)
40.8%
2373 (1431)
94.9%
Ibid., 8 - 11
72
***Note that the total casualty count was calculated as the sum of the Killed in Action, Mortally
Wounded in Action, Wounded in Action and Prisoners of War. As some of the men were
wounded multiple times, the Wounded in Action number was subtracted and the results in
parentheses to give the number of men that were removed from the field permanently. As is
shown above, the 11th Virginia Infantry suffered a 94.9% casualty rate during the four years of
war.
Deaths not on the battlefield 142
35 – Typhoid Fever
26 – Disease
25 – Died as POW
24 – Unknown cause
9 – Pneumonia
2 – Measles
2 – Typhoid Pneumonia
2 – Chronic
Diarrhea
1 death each - Chronic Dysentery, Pericarditis, Brain Fever, Diarrhea, Bowel Ulceration,
Diphtheria, Dropsy, Tuberculosis, Eruptive Fever, Fever
Historic Sandusky house, Lynchburg VA. Headquarters of MG David Hunter during the battle of Lynchburg, June
17-18, 1864. Picture taken by author, 2012
142
Ibid., 21
73
ORGANIZATION OF FEDERAL FORCES AT LYNCHBURG143
Department of West Virginia, MG David Hunter, Commanding
1st Division: BG J.C. Sullivan
1st Brigade: COL G.D. Wells
34th MA
116th OH
123rd OH
5th NY H.A. (A, B, C, D)
2nd Brigade: COL J. Thoburn
4th WV
18th CT
1st WV
12th WV
Unassigned units:
2nd MD (Eastern Shore)
2nd MD (Potomac Home Brigade)
1st Brigade: COL R.B. Hayes
23rd OH
36th OH
5th WV
13th WV
2nd Brigade: COL C.B. White
12th OH
91st OH
9th WV
14th WV
2nd Division: BG George Crook
3rd Brigade: COL J.M. Campbell 54th PA
Artillery: 1st KY (L)
3rd & 4th PA Reserves
11th WV (6 companies)
15th WV
1st OH (L)
Federal Cavalry
1st Division: BG A.N. Duffie
1st Brigade: COL R.F. Taylor
15th NY
2nd Brigade: COL J.E. Wynkoop
1st NY (Veteran)
20th PA
22nd PA
1st Brigade: COL J.N. Schoonmaker
8th OH
14th PA
2nd Brigade: COL J.H. Oley
34th OH Mounted Inf.
3rd Brigade: COL W.H. Powell
1st WV
21st NY
1st MD (PHB)
1st NY (Lincoln)
Artillery: 1st WV (L), Battery B
2nd Division: BG W.W. Averell
Artillery: CPT H.A. Dupont
30th NY (L)
3rd WV
5th WV
7th WV
2nd WV
Btry B, MD (L) 1st WV Btry D
5th US, Btry B
143
George Morris & Susan Foutz. Lynchburg in the Civil War: the City—the People—the Battle. (Lynchburg,: H. E.
Howard, 1984), 1
74
ORGANIZATION OF CONFEDERATE FORCES AT LYNCHBURG
GEN Jubal A. Early, Commanding
Department of South West Virginia, MG John Breckinridge, Commanding
(Temporarily under command of GEN D.H. Hill and GEN Elzey)
Brigade: BG G.C. Wharton (COL August Forsberg): 45th VA
50th VA
51st VA
30th VA BN (SS)
Brigade: COL George S. Patton:
22nd VA
23rd VA BN
26th VA BN
Brigade: COL T. Smith:
36th VA
45th VA BN
Brigade: BG R.D. Lilley
13th VA
31st VA
49th VA
52nd VA
Brigade: BG R.D. Johnston:
5th NC
12th NC
20th NC
23rd NC
Brigade: BG W.G. Lewis
6th NC
21st NC
54th NC
57th NC
60th VA
Division: MG S.D. Ramseur
58th VA
1st NC BN
Division: MG John B. Gordon (Partial)
Brigade: BG Z. York:
5th LA 6th LA 7th LA 8th LA 9th LA 1st LA
Brigade: BG C.A. Evans 13th GA
26th GA 31st GA 38th GA
60th GA
2nd LA 10th LA 14th LA 15th LA
61st GA
12th GA BN
Home Defense: GEN Francis T. Nicholls:
Convalescents & Invalids Corps
V.M.I. Cadets
Lynchburg Silver Greys
Confederate Cavalry Corps
GEN Robert Ransom, Commanding
14th VA
Brigade: BG J. McCausland:
Brigade: COL W.L. Jackson:
1st MD
Brigade: BG J.D. Imboden:
16th VA
19th VA 20th VA
18th VA
17th VA
46th VA BN
23rd VA
47th VA BN 26th VA
62nd VA
25th VA
Brigade (Mounted Infantry): BG J.C. Vaughn:
1st TN 43rd TN Mt. BN
remnants of the 16th TN, 61st TN and 62nd TN Mt. Inf
Brigade: BG W.E. Jones (under BG Vaughn):
Artillery:
Botetourt Arty (6 guns)
Artillery:
MAJ F. King BN
8th VA
16th TN BN
21st VA 22nd VA 34th VA BN
Berkley’s Battery (2 guns)
Chapman’s VA Battery
37 VA BN
36th VA BN
W.S. Lurty’s Battery (2 guns)
Bryan’s VA Battery
Lowry’s VA Battery
75
CHAPTER 3
AFTER APPOMATTOX
After four long years of intense struggle, the national nightmare was finally over. All
across the south, entire communities were destroyed as the skeletal frames of once important
buildings stood as a silent witness of ferocious fighting. Families that lost husbands, fathers,
brothers and sons in the service of the military struggled to fill the void at not only the dinner
table, but in family chores. Food was scarce, crops were devastated and most of the livestock had
been slaughtered to feed the passing armies. While Lynchburg did not suffer as much of the
destruction as other southern cities such as Richmond, Charleston or Atlanta, there were
economic hardships that had to be overcome.
Following the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865, Mayor
William Branch formally surrendered the city of Lynchburg to Federal General R.S. McKenzie
on April 12, 1865. However, there was much work that needed to be done as many buildings had
to be repaired not so much due to bombardments, but more as the result of long-term neglect.
Many of the former tobacco factories that had served as hospitals needed to be repaired and
converted back to usable warehouses. One hotel that had served as a hospital, the Norvell House,
had to be completely remodeled and refit entirely with new furniture from Europe. Another hotel
turned hospital, the Washington Hotel had a new front and several new shops installed by
January 1866. Building supplies were nonexistent and the majority of carpenters were lying
dead on the battlefields. Both the Southside and Virginia and Tennessee railroads were left in
76
ruins after the war. The Virginia and Tennessee was repaired by July 1865 while the Southside
had to wait until January 30, 1866 to be completely fixed. 144
The day after Lee’s surrender began the official period of occupation and restoration.
Across Lynchburg, citizens had to revitalize the economy. Although there was little damage that
had been done to the physical tobacco plants, production had stopped and markets were lost due
to a worthless currency over the last four years. In order to have any type of stability, the local
economy was going to have to be rebuilt literally from scratch. Slowly, the tobacco market began
to rebuild and another railroad was proposed in 1866.145
Not only did local civilians have a difficult time rebuilding their lives, returning soldiers
perhaps faced an even more difficult time. After enduring four years of war that included the
traumatic effects of surviving combat, little to no rations, hard marches, and rags for clothing,
soldiers had to try and rebuild homes as well as lives that were lost. One soldier, Captain Charles
Blackford who had been an attorney before the war, joined wife Susan in Charlottesville after the
war and lived in a room at the University of Virginia for two months by paying $3.50 per month
for rent. On June 10, 1865, Blackford walked forty-two miles next to the Orange and Alexandria
railroad towards Lynchburg to return home. Upon reaching the Tye River, Blackford convinced
a conductor to allow free passage to Lynchburg as the previously wealthy attorney could not
afford the cost of a railroad ticket. Upon reaching Lynchburg, Blackford borrowed one twenty
dollar gold piece from local tobacconist William Booker and re-established his law practice. 146
Not only did Lynchburg citizens have to rebuild their fractured lives and a struggling
economy, all of the work would have to be completed without the use of slave labor. Thousands
144
Chambers, 198
Boyd, 14
146
Elson, 186
145
77
of newly freed slaves were now living among former owners and competing for the same jobs as
thousands of other white citizens. For those former slaves who had been employed in the tobacco
factories or for those who had cruel masters, freedom could not come fast enough. However,
those individuals who had served as trusted domestic servants and formed an emotional bond
were not as reluctant to leave a good home. Some former slaves found employment with
northern industries. Others were not as anxious to seek gainful employment and began to use
their new freedom to steal and destroy property. 147
Although not officially passed until March 1866 by Congress, the Military Bill
authorized military rule in Virginia. In the days and weeks following the surrender, the Federal
government established military districts across the south. On May 31, 1865, the Lynchburg
commander, Brigadier General (Brevet) John Gregg issued General Order 15 in an effort to
restore law and order throughout the city. General Gregg stated that
“Neither the freed men, women or children have any right to remain on the plantation of their former
master, unless employed by him: and whenever the freed man ceases to be a good and faithful laborer and refuses to
work, the employer has the right to discharge him and eject his family from the premises, either by due course of
law or by the military authority….It is only by remaining on the plantations and working that they can hope to be
happy. They may as well understand first as last that the Government will not maintain them in idleness.148
Once thought to be the worst possible scenario, Lynchburg citizens eventually learned that living
under military rule and governed by the hated Yankees was not as bad as it seemed. The people
who were the hated enemies of all southern people appeared as well-mannered, polite and
respectful of law and order. 149
In a public meeting called by Mayor Branch on September 10, 1865 at Dudley Hall, the
citizens of Lynchburg took an opportunity to express support and appreciation to several
individuals. Speaking to the assembly, Mayor Branch stated that “We went to the battle with
147
Ibid., 190
BG John I. Gregg. General Order 15, May 31, 1865. (Lynchburg: Jones Memorial Library, PAM# 2842)
149
Elson, 186
148
78
honor; we fought with honor and now, let us yield with honor.” Several resolutions were passed
expressing a grateful city’s appreciation. They first gave respect and commendation to the
Federal Generals Gregg and Curtis as the military commanders over Lynchburg for their good
treatment of the citizens. The second resolution gave respect and confidence to the newly
installed Governor Francis Pierpont. The third promised cordial and confiding support to new
President Andrew Johnson. Finally, Mayor Branch stated that the citizens recognized that the
institution of slavery was forever abolished, but wanted to be clear that any authority or
jurisdiction that is not given expressly to Congress still strictly belongs to the states. 150
In order to help with the massive relief effort and social reconstruction of the newly freed
slaves, the War Department established the Freedmen’s Bureau in 1865. The purpose of the
Bureau was to move the former slaves to become full citizens. People were issued clothing and
food, provided legal representation and employment. The Bureau’s agents assisted in operating
special hospitals and establishing temporary camps. Families were reunited and marriages
performed. The Freedmen’s Bureau also provided the necessary assistance for those freedmen
who had served in the military with receiving back pay, bounty payments and pensions. 151
Superintendents of the Bureau had the responsibility to protect the rights of the former
slaves as free citizens. As new citizens of the United States, each person was guaranteed to have
liberty and justice as protected by the government. But, unlike white citizens, black citizens were
reminded that the government would not always be present in the south. As a result, freedmen
were encouraged to live quietly, peacefully and as law abiding citizens. 152 Essentially, the
150
Ibid., 188
“Freedmen’s Bureau” www.archives.gov (Accessed October 12, 2014)
152
William T. Aldersen. “The influence of military rule and the Freedmen’s bureau on reconstruction in Virginia
1865 – 1870”. (PhD Thesis, Vanderbilt University, June 1952), 33
151
79
Bureau reminded all freedmen in the Lynchburg area of what General Gregg had previously
stated in General Order 15.
Reconstruction formally began in 1867 with the passage of the Reconstruction Act of
1867. The Act included a military bill that threatened martial law, partisan government and
disenfranchisement to the Confederate cause. Several political factions that had previously been
out of government power were suddenly in charge and reminded political enemies of their loss of
power. The obvious government abuse that occurred caused resentment among the older
establishment and entrenched their concepts. However, the political scene was about to take a
very dramatic turn. 153
In 1867, politics began to radically change across the South. The Reconstruction Act of
1867 was responsible for the provision of full suffrage for all males who were twenty-one years
old and older. While this new law was permissible, the new law also extended to former slaves.
For the first time in history, a large number of former slaves registered, voted and held both
appointed and elective offices. By 1867, ninety-seven freedmen from Virginia held office in the
national, state and local governments. Most of the new politicians were members of the Radical
Republican party. The majority of white Virginians were members of the Conservative or
Democratic Party. There were two groups in particular who caused several problems across the
South during the days of Reconstruction. Radicals from the North, known as carpetbaggers,
came with the Federal troops as well as native Virginians known as scalawags. The few whites
who helped promote the freedmen to political office were usually either carpetbaggers or
scalawags. As a result, many of the freedmen wholeheartedly believed that if there was
153
Boyd, 17
80
continued support among the black community for the Republican Party, their rights would
always be protected. 154
One specific concern that further divided Virginians was the mounting war debt of more
than $45 million. Members of the Conservative Party, known as the “Funders”, believed that the
honorable thing for Virginia to do was to pay the bill in full. However, the Radical Republicans,
known as “Readjusters” stated that there were simply no funds available to repay any type of
debt. The freedmen took a different position from the Funders and Readjusters in that since the
war was primarily fought between white people, the war debt, therefore was created by the white
people and freedmen should not be responsible for any repayment. 155
Judge John C. Underwood, a native of New York, was appointed to serve as a United
States District Judge within Virginia. On December 3, 1867 a constitutional convention that
became known as the Underwood Convention of 1867 – 68 was held in Richmond. There were
105 delegates present including twenty-five free blacks. 156 The convention was called for the
purpose of creating a new state constitution, but instead created a substantial amount of political
furor and gave little to no confidence in the newly established state government. Federal and
military officials replaced all of the popularly elected officials throughout each branch and level
of government. 157
During the convention, a controversial proposal was introduced that, had it passed, would
have no doubt caused an insurrection among the white citizens of Virginia. The proposal called
for the right to vote to be withheld from all former federal and state officials who had served in
the Confederate military. The proposal also required local officials to swear under oath that they
154
Harry S. Ferguson. “The participation of the Lynchburg, Virginia Negro in politics 1865 -1900” (MA Thesis,
Virginia State College, 1950), 5
155
Elson, 231
156
“Virginia Constitutional Convention” www.encyclopediavirginia.org (Accessed October 12, 2014).
157
Boyd, 17
81
never bore arms against the federal government. White politicians warned that if the second
proposal passed, the entire state would be under Negro rule. The proposal was soundly defeated
in 1869. 158 It is interesting to note that by 1871, there were twenty-seven elected AfricanAmerican delegates seated in the General Assembly. In 1873, there were twenty-five and by
1891, there were none. 159
Following the end of the war, Congress had received many petitions and memorials,
mostly from religious organizations, that called for assistance in establishing public schools in
the South. Many in the North were concerned about the educational status of the newly freed
slaves throughout the South. 160 Two specific individuals decided to take action for the purposes
of educating the freedmen.
Jacob Yoder, a Mennonite man from Pennsylvania moved to Lynchburg for the purposes
of teaching in a new Freedmen’s bureau school that had been established at the former Camp
Davis. On April 23, 1866, Yoder wrote in his diary that the white citizens in Lynchburg accepted
the result of the war only because there was no choice and that many still loved the idea of
slavery. Yoder also noted that there was significant crime committed by both whites and
blacks. 161 Within the next two weeks, Yoder wrote on May 2, 1866 that “these people”,
referring to the freedmen, are immensely poor, profoundly ignorant and remarkably vicious. 162
Yoder’s opinion of his new students changed by the end of the school year in June 1867 when a
school program was performed in front of a racially mixed audience at the new African
Methodist Episcopal Church. 163
158
Elson, 229
Ibid., 230
160
Anderson, James D. Education for servitude: “The social purposes of schooling in black south 1870 – 1930”
(PhD, Thesis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1973), 6
161
Yoder, Jacob. Personal diary, April 23, 1866
162
Ibid., May 2, 1866
163
Ibid., June 27, 1867
159
82
Massachusetts money broker George Peabody established the Peabody Education Fund
in 1867 with the donation of $1 million for southern public education. Mr. Peabody added two
conditions to the donation. First, there had to be equal representation of both the North and South
on the governing board. Second, Robert Winthrop, a conservative on the issue of southern
reconstruction, was to be named as permanent President of the Board of Trustees. 164
One specific group, the American Freedmen’s Union Commission held a meeting with
the freedmen school teachers on July 12, 1867. In a general letter to its members dated July 17,
1867, the Commission discussed the results of the meeting. During the meeting, there were three
resolutions that were passed. First, it was determined to be in the best interest of the freed people
to establish schools that were similar to the northern schools. It was also decided that there
should not be any additional schools built in areas where there was community cooperation.
Second, teachers and agents throughout the South were to organize people into associations in
order to raise the funds necessary to establish and support schools. The last resolution stated that
all textbooks were to be sold at a price that was established by the Teacher’s Committee and
none were to be given away without special permission.
One of the African-American delegates to the Convention was Samuel Kelso, a native of
Lynchburg. On January 28, 1868, Kelso introduced a resolution to the Convention that
established public schools that were free to all children. The measure passed and Kelso later
became one of the first teachers in Lynchburg. Public education was made available to all
children around the Lynchburg and surrounding areas for the very first time. 165
At the start of the fall 1868 semester, Jacob Yoder returned to Lynchburg as the
Superintendent of the Pennsylvania Freedmen Relief Association and took control of twenty-four
164
165
Ibid., 7
Elson, 230
83
local schools until the passing of Virginia’s first public school law in July 1870. The PFRA
continued to financially support the schools until the first institution opened on April 5, 1871.
Yoder taught in the freedmen schools for ten years when he received an appointment as a
supervisor and served until his death in 1905. 166
While public education was beginning in Lynchburg, one collegiate president visited
Lynchburg and received a hero’s welcome. Former General turned Washington College
President Robert E. Lee visited Lynchburg in May 1868 for the purposes of attending a local
meeting of the Protestant Episcopal Council. While in the city, Lee stayed with the Blackford
family and the citizens felt as if a divine benediction had been bestowed upon Lynchburg. When
General Lee died on October 12, 1870, Lynchburg, as was the case with cities across the former
Confederacy, plunged into mourning with businesses closed and homes as well as churches
draped in black. 167
By 1869, Virginia was nearing the end of the Reconstruction era. In October 1869, the
General Assembly ratified the Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments to the Constitution which
guaranteed the rights of former slaves. By January 1870, Virginia ceased to be Federal military
district and all of the federal troops left Virginia. A newly elected governor was installed and
Virginia congressmen were seated in Washington. By 1870, reconstruction in Virginia was
over. 168
As Lynchburg continued to recover from Reconstruction, the city made great strides to
move forward with business. In December 1870, the city limits were greatly enlarged and the
area population doubled in size, increasing from 6,855 to more than 12,000. Unsightly buildings
were torn down including the ancient marketplace that had been such an eyesore for many
166
Ibid., 198
Ibid., 216
168
Ibid., 192
167
84
decades and was demolished in 1873. In 1875, the former City Hotel and Ladies Relief Hospital
collapsed for an unknown reason and killed two people. 169
For many, the decade of the 1870s began to bring prosperity and substantial economic
growth back to the once extremely wealthy city. For some, the new decade continued to bring
economic devastation. Among the industries that simply could not recover economically was the
James River and Kanawha Canal. The once mighty canal that had existed since 1812 and began
to suffer economically from the rise of the railroads continued in operation until 1870.
Eventually, the railroads and two major floods in 1870 and 1877 ravaged the canal beyond use.
In 1879, a legislative act approved the sale of the canal and provided that certain dams were to be
broken and the canal drained. The canal was first sold to the Richmond and Allegheny Railroad,
then again to the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad which found the towpath to be an excellent
roadbed for water level transportation. The final chapter of the canal occurred as late as 1933
when the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad sold the Waterworks Dam to Appalachian Power
Company after securing permission from the State Corporation Commission to close the
Lynchburg level. After more than 120 years, the canal was finished. 170
The other industry that hit economic problems was the railroad. In the days following the
war, railroad treasuries were empty, the tracks were devastated and the company credit was
ruined. When the Reconstruction era began, the railroads had little more than provisions and
promises to pay loyal workers. The Virginia and Tennessee railroad and the Southside railroad
operated separately until 1870. Both lines along with the Norfolk and Petersburg railroad merged
together to combine nearly four hundred eighty miles of track to form the new Atlantic,
Mississippi and Ohio railroad with former General William Mahone named as President. The A,
169
170
Ibid.
Ibid., 227
85
M & O sold in February 1881 for $8.605 million and was reorganized as the Norfolk and
Western railroad. 171
Lynchburg citizens attempted to bring another railroad to the city with the Shenandoah
Valley railroad in early 1881. However, plans were formed too late and the route had already
been established. Meanwhile, on February 14, 1868, the Orange and Alexandria railroad merged
with the Manassas Gap railroad to form the Orange, Alexandria and Manassas Railroad
Company. In November 1872, the O,A & M consolidated with the smaller Lynchburg and
Danville railroad to become the Washington City, Virginia Midland and Great Southern railroad.
In 1880, the Washington, Virginia and Southern was sold and the name changed to the Virginia
Midland Company. In 1898, the Virginia Midland merged with Southern railway. 172 During the
1980s, the Norfolk and Western railroad merged with Southern railway to become NorfolkSouthern railroad.
Reconstruction had been forced upon Lynchburg with no guarantees of a successful
future. All across the South, communities and lives had to rebuild from the ashes after four long
years of war. Life, as it was known prior to the war forever changed with the final surrender.
Although there were people who were intent on making money on the misery of others, citizens
banded together to rebuild local communities. What had been depressing and hopeless at the
beginning turned into the rebirth of a city that realized a brighter future when two groups of
people, the former owner and the former slave, worked together to achieve great things for a
place that had been the vision of a seventeen year old ferry captain from a century ago..
171
172
Norfolk & Western, 11
Ibid., 12
86
CONCLUSION
More than two and one-quarter centuries have passed since seventeen year old John
Lynch, a ferry boat captain with a vision and hundreds of acres in land founded the city that
would bear his name. In time, the city grew beyond even what Lynch could imagine and became
the second wealthiest city in the country, much in part due to the production and marketing of a
peculiar weed.
As was the case with other cities across the South, Lynchburg relied heavily on slave
labor. As a result, there were frequent slave auctions in the business district and specific curfews
that pertained to the enslaved population that carried harsh penalties if violated. Matters became
more serious when John Brown’s raid took place in October 1859, causing many in Lynchburg
to wonder if the same thing could happen in the quiet city. Then the election of 1860 occurred,
causing cries of disunion and secession. Lynchburg and the rest of the South would never again
be the same.
Lynchburg citizens responded to the Governor’s call for troops to defend against the
pending Federal invasion with raising multiple companies to serve in the infantry, artillery and
cavalry. Thousands more supported the military on the home front by producing munitions,
wagons, caissons or uniforms. When the time came, hundreds came to help care for the
wounded in dozens of local hospitals. Thousands were buried in local cemeteries, but tens of
thousands more lived to continue the fight. At the end of the war, citizens of Lynchburg came
together to slowly rebuild their lives and a city.
Former slaves now enjoyed the same freedoms that white citizens had for centuries. The
arrival of Reconstruction, Federal troops and the Freedmen’s Bureau brought significant changes
to Lynchburg which were met at first with hesitation and then achieved. Old buildings were
87
demolished and new industries sprang up. Among the new buildings that were built in
Lynchburg were several public schools that offered free education to children regardless of race.
For the first time, people of both races could receive a quality education that would improve
future generations.
By 1870, substantial growth and prosperity began to appear in Lynchburg for the first
time in a decade. As the years went by, traditions changed as old things passed away. The
Kanawha Canal ended and the railroads changed owners multiple times. More changes took
place throughout the coming years as a new century dawned in the growing city.
One event that never seemed to change despite the passing years was the honoring of the
city’s Civil War veterans. For years, significant milestones were celebrated as local chapters of
the United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Veterans were established to
reunite veterans. As late as the 1930s, parades were held to honor the white-haired men who
freely gave to defend everything that was held dear during the 1860s. The Civil War centennial
was celebrated across the country in the 1960s as millions remembered grandfathers and greatgrandfathers who served on both sides.
More than 150 years have now passed since Lynchburg along with the rest of the country
was thrown into the national nightmare known as the Civil War. Celebrations have marked
significant battles or events since 2011 and will continue through April 2015. Numerous
sesquicentennial events were celebrated in Lynchburg during mid-June 2014 to mark the small
battle that had serious ramifications upon the Confederacy if Hunter had been successful. It was
a true reminder that the loss of Lynchburg, for even a single day, would have been disastrous for
Virginia and indeed the Confederate government. For this reason, it can be concluded that
Lynchburg indeed made a very significant impact upon the Confederacy
88
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