Tobacco Warehouses by 1806

Spring

Spring Warehouse was authorized in October 1792, and was built on the north corner of the intersection of Commerce and Twelfth Streets. Spring Warehouse stretched some 142 feet along Commerce Street and was only 27 feet wide. Spring was the least altered of all of Lynchburg’s warehouses surviving into the 20th century. Spring warehouse was demolished in 1965.

Blackwater

On December 18, 1805 by George Cabell Sr. was granted a charter “to erect a public warehouse on his land at a point formed by the junction of blackwater with James River near the town of Lynchburg, in the county of Campbell to be built of brick and stone, covered with slate and tile, known as blackwater.” Blackwater warehouse was used until the coming of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in 1852.

Martin’s

On December 30, 1801 James Martin was permitted to establish a warehouse on the southwest corner of Lynch and Second Alley. Martin’s was used until 1946 when it was tore down to build a parking lot.

Liberty

Liberty warehouse was established on December 31, 1805 on John Lynch’s lot on the westside of Commerce Street between 6th and 7th street. Liberty warehouse was used until 1882.

Friends

A permit was given to William Davis, on December 17, 1806 to open up a warehouse on Church Street between 9th and 10th Street. The warehouse was not opened until 1810 and stood until 1851 when it was tore down and replaced.

Planter’s

A permit was given to Roland Jones on December 17, 1806 to open up a warehouse on 7th street between 5th and 7th alley. The warehouse was not completed and opened until 1810. Planter’s warehouse was demolished to make room for Pace’s tobacco warehouse established by the Moorman Brothers in 1879.

---

This information is provided thanks to a partnership
with the Center for the History and Culture of
Central Virginia at Lynchburg College.