Tinbridge Hill in Lynchburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Agnes and Lizzie Langley

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 1, 2015

1. Agnes and Lizzie Langley Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

According to Court and City Directory records, mother and daughter, Agnes (1789-1874) and Lizzie (1833-1891) Langley ran a "Sporting House" on Commerce Street during the 19th century. Later, Lynchburg's "Red Light District" of World War II fame was located only a few blocks away along Jackson, Monroe and Fourth Streets. Both races were employed and serviced equally. It is not known whether this impressive family plot was a result of the ladies' earnings or of the admiration of those of great wealth.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Women.

Location. 37° 24.858′ N, 79° 9.325′ W. Marker is in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is in Tinbridge Hill. Marker can be reached from Taylor Street just north of 4th Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker and subject gravesites are located within the Old City Cemetery grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Taylor Street, Lynchburg VA 24501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jane Owens (d. 1835) (a few steps from this marker); Joseph Parker

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 1, 2015

2. Agnes and Lizzie Langley Marker

(Langley family plot in background)

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(a few steps from this marker); To the Grave of the Nieces of George Washington (a few steps from this marker); Virginia M. Cabell Randolph (a few steps from this marker); Israel Snead (1780-1844) (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Phillip F. Morris (within shouting distance of this marker); The Early Mayors (within shouting distance of this marker); Josiah Holbrook (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynchburg.

Also see . . .
1. Old City Cemetery. Near the cemetery entrance, mother and daughter Agnes and Lizzie Langley are buried in an elaborate plot surrounded by a wrought-iron fence. The pair ran a “sporting house” in the 1800s. The house of ill repute was located on Commerce Street, in an area of town known as “Buzzard’s Roost.” (Submitted on September 22, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. History of Buzzards Roost. Agnes Langley and her daughter, Lizzie — both free blacks described as “mulatto” — ran a “sporting house” on Lynch Street (now know as Commerce Street).

Agnes Langley Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 1, 2015

3. Agnes Langley Monument

Died
Oct. 26, 1874.
Aged 85 Years.

Prostitution was the single most lucrative occupation per capita for free blacks in antebellum Lynchburg. (Submitted on September 22, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

3. Agnes and Lizzie Langley: The Madams of Buzzard’s Roost. By the time the Civil War began, Lizzie operated the bordello and was Lynchburg’s third wealthiest African-American in 1860. That year Lizzie reported owning $3,000 in real estate and $2,000 worth of personal estate. $5000 in 1860 would translate to roughly $145,000 in 2014. (Submitted on September 22, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Lizzie Langley Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 1, 2015

4. Lizzie Langley Monument

Died
May 5, 1891.
Aged 58 Years.

Langley Family Plot image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, October 1, 2015

5. Langley Family Plot

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 419 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 22, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.