Altavista, VA

Half way up the driveway leading to the Avoca Estate in Altavista stands ancient black walnut tree that ranks as one of Virginia's most misconstrued Revolutionary War landmarks.

Under this tree in 1780, Col. Charles Lynch, a self-appointed magistrate, administered his "rude justice" upon Tory conspirators and patriot turncoats. The corporal punishment consisted of 39 lashes with a whip or until the malefactors cried the patriots' motto, "Liberty," and pledged their fidelity to the Republic.

From these floggings, "Lynch's Law" was added to the legal vernacular.

Much to the consternation of Lynch's descendants, Lynch Law was erroneously linked by some historians to the modern "lynchings," or vigilante justice by hanging.

That error would later cast an unsavory light on the city, 22 miles to the north, named after Lynch's brother, John Lynch.

Lynchburg business men were so concerned about their city's image during the Civil Right era that the Chamber of Commerce commissioned historian Alfred Perry to set the record straight.

Although local historians have offered various account of what happened under the walnut tree in the summer of 1780, they all agree on one point - a noose never hung from its boughs.

The origin of the Lynch Law, 1780 was a response to a Tory conspiracy to bring Virginia under British rule. (Tories were loyal to the crown.)

With Gen. Cornwallis' troops advancing through the Carolinas to Virginia, Tory loyalists hatched a plan designed to dislodge the patriots from the "old Dominion." The insurrection was to include the capture of a large arsenal at New London and the freeing of 4,000 British and German troops imprisoned at Charlottesville.

Col. Lynch, the commander of the Bedford County militia, along with Cols. James Callaway and William Preston and Capt. Bob Adams, imposed martial law after word of the Tory conspiracy leaked out.

The four set up a court to try suspected conspirators and many of the trials were held under the walnut tree at Lynch's Avoca Estate.

The accused were allowed to call witnesses, and some were acquitted. But those who were found guilty were given 39 lashes - "40 save one" in the biblical tradition - or until they cried "Liberty."

Lynch's efforts were encouraged by Thomas Jefferson who wrote a letter to the colonel that the "most vigorous decisive measures, should be continued for seizing every one on who probable proof of guilt shall appear.

The area we know as Central Virginia began with the Hat Creek settlement (present day Campbell County), which was established in the late 1720's. When the Lynch family members created their James River ferry service a quarter-century later. most of their customers were Campbell County farmers hauling hogsheads of tobacco for shipment to Richmond.

As recently as the 1980's tobacco was still prevalent in the southern parts of the county. Tobacco settlement money is helping to transform the same area.

No other county has as many "focal points." Rustburg is the county seat. There are industrial clusters in and near the thriving towns of Altavista and Brookneal. The Mt. Athos and Timberlake are areas are also centers of commerce. While residential neighborhoods can be found throughout the county, the northern sections are more densely populated.

Supporting the growth of existing businesses and industries is a priority in Campbell County.

Altavista suffered a blow several years ago when the Lane Company, famous for its cedar chests, shut down. But joint efforts between the town and county attracted two new companies, spurred the expansion of several existing businesses and prompted Walmart to build a store here and a developer to build a large retail center of US 29.

The village of Rustburg has now a shopping center of its own, complete with a chain grocery store. A new county courthouse was build in the 90's making it the center piece of a governmental complex that includes the sheriff's offices, jail, social services and county library.

The county has four high schools, which serve as the top layer of a strong educational system. Vocational training is available at the Campbell County Technical Center at Yellow Branch. Central Virginia Community College maintains satellite centers in both Altavista and Brookneal.

Campbell County includes a unique mix of industrial hubs, centers of commerce, residential communities, and sprawling farmland. This unique mixture attracts residents from all walks of life, including engineers, college professors, and retired tobacco farmers.

South of Lynchburg in Altavista, the Avoca Museum is the home-site of Colonel Charles Lynch, the Revolutionary patriot and brother of John Lynch, founder of Lynchburg. The house is an excellent example of 19th Century American Queen Anne architecture. The property was given to the Town in the 1980s and is operated by the non-profit Avoca Museum and Historical Society. The house is an excellent example of 19th Century American Queen Anne architecture. The property was given to the Town in the 1980s and is operated by the non-profit Avoca Museum and Historical Society. The house contains a unique collection of local antiques, including Native American artifacts and Civil War memorabilia. Avoca also hosts an annual wine festival in late September.

Hours of operation: (April 20, 2008 - October 31, 2008)

Thursday and Friday 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Open year round for rentals and group tours (10 or more)