Lynchburg, Virginia
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Lynchburg is an independent city located in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 65,269. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg is known as the "City of Seven Hills". Appomattox is nearby.
Lynchburg is the home of Randolph-Macon Woman's College, Lynchburg College, and Liberty University.
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History
First settled in 1757, Lynchburg was named for its founder, John Lynch, who at the age of 17 started a ferry service across the James River in 1757. He was also responsible for Lynchburg's first bridge across the river, which replaced the ferry in 1812. Lynchburg was established by charter in 1786 at the site of Lynch's Ferry on the James River. It was a center of commerce and manufacture in the 19th century. Chief industries were tobacco and iron, and steel. Transportation facilities included the James River and Kanawha Canal and, later, four railroads.
In the American Civil War, Lynchburg, which served as a Confederate supply base, was approached within 1 mile by the Union forces of General David Hunter as he drove south from the Shenandoah Valley. Hunter was driven back by the forces of Confederate General Jubal Early on June 18, 1864.
Geography
Lynchburg is located at 37°24'13" North, 79°10'12" West (37.403672, -79.170205)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 128.9 km² (49.8 mi²). 127.9 km² (49.4 mi²) of it is land and 1.0 km² (0.4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.74% water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 65,269 people, 25,477 households, and 15,591 families residing in the city. The population density is 510.2/km² (1,321.5/mi²). There are 27,640 housing units at an average density of 216.1/km² (559.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 66.63% White, 29.70% African American, 0.26% Native American, 1.28% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.63% from other races, and 1.46% from two or more races. 1.35% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 25,477 households out of which 27.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.6% are married couples living together, 16.0% have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.8% are non-families. 32.7% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.30 and the average family size is 2.92.
In the city the population is spread out with 22.1% under the age of 18, 15.5% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 84.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 79.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $32,234, and the median income for a family is $40,844. Males have a median income of $31,390 versus $22,431 for females. The per capita income for the city is $18,263. 15.9% of the population and 12.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 22.4% of those under the age of 18 and 10.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Communications
Lynchburg's daily newspaper is The News & Advance (http://www.newsadvance.com), which serves the Central Virginia region and is owned by Media General.
Transportation
Amtrak's Crescent train connects Lynchburg with the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham and New Orleans. The Amtrak station is situated at 825 Kemper Street. Lynchburg is the largest city in the United States that does not have an interstate that runs through it.
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Cattle Annie's Restaurant & Entertainment (http://www.CattleAnnies.com/): Large enough for national artists, yet small enough to create an intimate setting, Cattle Annies variety of entertainment, expansive dance floor, state-of-the-art sound system, and large stage provide something for just about everyone.
Academy of Fine Arts (http://www.academyfinearts.com/): A nonprofit organization committed to promoting and presenting the visual and performing arts, while creating opportunities for arts education.
Amazement Square (http://www.amazementsquare.org/): Central Virginia’s first multidisciplinary, hands-on children’s museum.
External links
- City of Lynchburg (http://www.ci.lynchburg.va.us/)
Template:Mapit-US-cityscale The News & Advance (http://www.newsadvance.com) is Lynchburg's daily newspaper serving Central Virginia.
Peaks View Aerials (http://www.PeaksViewAerials.com/) host low altitude aerial photos of downtown Lynchburg and Lynchburg historic sites such as Monument Terrace, old depot train station, Amazement Square, Langley Fountain and Point of Honor. See www.PeaksViewAeials.com Portfolio