The Battle of Lynchburg

June 17th-18th, 1864

Located in central Virginia along the southern banks of the James River and Kanawha Canal, the city of Lynchburg was a major transportation and trading hub during the mid-nineteenth century. The Orange & Alexandria, Virginia & Tennessee, and Southside railroads all converged in the city, making it an important supply route for the Confederate forces during the Civil War. At the height of the war, Lynchburg also became the second largest hospital center in the Confederacy having more than 25 hospitals.

Lynchburg's Strategic Resources

The Union

18,000 troops led by General David Hunter.

Hunter's mission was to capture Lynchburg and destroy the railroads and canal, cutting off a major Confederate supply line.

Portrait of General David Hunter
Portrait of General David Hunter

The Confederates

14,000 troops led by Jubal A. Early.

Early's mission was to defend Lynchburg and prevent the capture and destruction of vital infrastructure.

The Battle

The Union's invading force approached Lynchburg from the southwest. General David Hunter commandeered the Sandusky house, home to retired Major George C. Hutter.

Photo taken of Historic Sandusky house in 2017. The site is now operated as a Civil War house museum.

Sandusky is now a historic site owned and operated by the University of Lynchburg.

Fighting began on the afternoon of June 17th, 1864. It took place along the Salem Turnpike, near the Quaker Meeting House, and later that evening by Fort Early. The fort was an earthen redoubt made to strengthen the city's outer defenses. This outer defense was comprised of the more capable and healthy Confederate troops. Young boys, along with sick and wounded soldiers, formed an inner defense.

That night, Jubal Early had an empty train run back and forth into the city. Upon arrival of the next empty train, the citizens of Lynchburg would cheer, shout, and play drums. This commotion led the Union troops to fear that they were outnumbered.

Jed Hotchkiss' 1864 Map of Engagement near Lynchburg

The above map, drawn by Jed Hotchkiss to accompany a Confederate report about the battle, depicts Lynchburg during the second day of fighting on June 18th, 1864.

On Saturday, General Hunter sent out several divisions from the main line of battle in an attempt to outflank the Confederate army. Lynchburg's topography made that task impractical, given the city's hills, streams, and more. The Union army, unable to make progress towards Lynchburg, and with ammunition supplies getting low, began to lose confidence in their mission.

Saturday night, under cover of darkness, the General David Hunter and the Union troops retreated.

Sandusky is now a historic site owned and operated by the University of Lynchburg.