Origin of Lynch Law

Courtesy of Avoca Museum, September 5, 2026

1. Origin of Lynch Law Marker

Inscription. A hundred yards west stands a walnut tree under which Colonel Charles Lynch, William Preston, Robert Adams, Jr., James Callaway and others held an informal court for the trial of Tories and criminals, 1780. Punishment usually consisted of whipping. From this rude justice the term "Lynch Law" was evolved.

Erected 1929 by Virginia Conservation & Development Commission. (Marker Number L-30.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 7.735′ N, 79° 16.122′ W. Marker was in Altavista, Virginia, in Campbell County. It was at the intersection of Main Street (Business U.S. 29) and Avoca Lane, on the left when traveling south on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 1514 Main St, Altavista VA 24517, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Piedmont

and in Central Virginia.

It was also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

South.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 location: A different marker also named Origin of Lynch Law (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. James Dearing (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tories, Treachery, Treason, and a Tree (about 400 feet away); Colonel Charles Lynch (about 400 feet away); General James Dearing (about 400 feet away); Altavista 9/11 Memorial (about 400 feet away); Civil War Cannon (about 400 feet away); Uses for Avoca's Colonial Herb Garden (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Altavista.

Courtesy of Avoca Museum, September 5, 2026

2. Origin of Lynch Law Marker

Photo on display in the Avoca Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2026, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.