Bedford in Bedford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike
Photographed By Kathy Walker, May 7, 2009
1. Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike Marker
Inscription.
Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike. . The Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike Co. was incorporated in 1818 to build a turnpike from Lynchburg west to Salem. The road reached Liberty (now Bedford) in 1828 and was completed to Salem in 1836. In Bedford County, covered bridges spanned the Big Otter and Little Otter rivers. The latter bridge remained until 1947. This turnpike, with five tollgates, served as the main thoroughfare in the region until the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad was built in the 1850's. In 1854, the company abandoned responsibility for the road between New London and Liberty and the county took control.
The Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike Co. was incorporated in 1818 to build a turnpike from Lynchburg west to Salem. The road reached Liberty (now Bedford) in 1828 and was completed to Salem in 1836. In Bedford County, covered bridges spanned the Big Otter and Little Otter rivers. The latter bridge remained until 1947. This turnpike, with five tollgates, served as the main thoroughfare in the region until the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad was built in the 1850's. In 1854, the company abandoned responsibility for the road between New London and Liberty and the county took control.
Erected 1995 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-131.)
Location. 37° 19.032′ N, 79° 24.927′ W. Marker is in Bedford, Virginia, in Bedford County. Marker is on E Lynchburg Salem Turnpike (Virginia Route 460) 7½ miles west of Bedford/Campbell County Line, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bedford VA 24523, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,150 times since then and 130 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on May 11, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
