Lynchburg, Virginia also known as the city of seven hills, is one of the most resident friendly cities in the state. The 193,928 strong settlement has a strong feeling of community, economic opportunity for everyone and a responsive, result-oriented local government. Lynchburg has an outstanding public education system and has excellent facilities for higher education and professional cities. The city is alive with parks, festivals and shopping centres, there is something for everyone. No wonder a large number of people are moving to Lynchburg every year.
Economy:
Lynchburg entered its first phase of economic prosperity in the 19th century as it began to establish as a manufacturing and commerce center. The principal industry in the city at that time was tobacco. By the 20th century, the economic base of Lynchburg changed from tobacco to the manufacturing industry. The following era saw a number of new factories and companies that brought in a lot of people who began moving intrastate to benefit from the economic success of the city. Many of these companies remained the essential structure of Lynchburg's economy for several years. Today Lynchburg has a number of high-tech manufacturing companies operating within its boundaries. The list includes a successful shoe industry, a textile industry and foundries. The estimated median household income per annum was $38,314 in 2009.
History:
Lynchburg is an independent city. It was named after its founder, John Lynch. Lynch was given a charter by the Virginia General Assembly in 1786 to establish a town on his 45 acre private property. Initially the town was named "Lynch's Ferry." Lynch's Ferry was incorporated as a town in 1805 and was then reincorporated as a city in 1852. The name was changed to Lynchburg in-between this time. After the industrial success of tobacco, a number of people moved to Lynchburg in search of employment and business opportunities. Colleges, libraries and housing neighbourhoods slowly built the small town into a large thriving city of over a 100,000. Lynchburg is also popularly known as the city if seven hills. These hills are the College Hill, Federal Hill, Garland Hill, White Rock Hill, Daniel's Hill, Diamond Hill and Franklin Hill. Lynchburg was also visited frequently by Thomas Jefferson who had a residence in the nearby Poplar Forest.
Tourism:
Lynchburg has a wealth of history and unspoilt beauty. The city is dotted with historic landmarks, decorated with colourful festivals and alive with recreational activities. Some of the famous places in the city are the Academy of Fine Arts, which has an active studio and a historic theatre currently under renovation; the Amazement Square, full of spacious places for exhibitions; the Daura Gallery Museum and many others. The old city cemetery is worth visiting, and the James River Heritage Trail offers a unique experience. Though the city itself does not have a major league team, it is rich in baseball history. Professional Baseball has existed in the city since 1894 when it was started by the Lynchburg Hill Climbers.