Altavista in Campbell County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Colonel Charles Lynch
Born 1736 Died 1796
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026
1. Colonel Charles Lynch Marker
In July 1780, Colonel Lynch helped break up a Tory plot to capture Virginia for the British. The Tory leaders were seized and tried by courts martial for treason. Those found guilty of high treason were sent to Richmond for trial. Contrary to legend, the death penalty was never imposed by Lynch's court.
Governor Thomas Jefferson commended the actions taken by Lynch and his fellow officials and urged them to continue. Virginia's legislature also ruled Lynch's actions justified by the imminent danger.
Lynch later led his Bedford County militia with distinction at the battles of Guilford Court House and Yorktown. He is buried at Avoca.
Erected 1982 by Avoca Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Law Enforcement • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.
Location. 37° 7.793′ N, 79° 16.168′ W. Marker is in Altavista, Virginia, in Campbell County. It can be reached from Avoca Lane west of Main Street (Business U.S. 29), on the right when traveling west.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont and in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: General James Dearing (here, next to this marker); Altavista 9/11 Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Civil War Cannon (a few steps from this marker); Tories, Treachery, Treason, and a Tree (a few steps from this marker); Uses for Avoca's Colonial Herb Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Herb Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Smoke House (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. James Dearing (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Altavista.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026
2. Colonel Charles Lynch Marker
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026
3. Colonel Charles Lynch Marker
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026
4. Colonel Charles Lynch Marker
The Avoca Museum can be seen in the background.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026
5. Colonel Charles Lynch
Portrait on display in the Avoca Museum.
Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, May 9, 2026
6. Colonel Charles Lynch Grave
A few hundred feet from the Marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 11, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
