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

Virginia University of Lynchburg

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 26, 2014

1. Virginia University of Lynchburg Marker

Inscription. In 1886 the Virginia Baptist State Convention founded the Lynchburg Baptist Seminary as an institution of “self-reliance,” “racial pride,” and “faith”. It first offered classes in 1890 as the renamed Virginia Seminary. Under the direction of Gregory Willis Hayes, the second president of the college who served from 1891 to 1906, the school became a pioneer in the field of African American education. In 1900 the school was reincorporated as the Virginia Theological Seminary and College and in 1962 became the Virginia Seminary and College. The college was renamed and incorporated as Virginia University of Lynchburg in 1996. Among its graduates was the poet Anne Spencer.

Erected 2000 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q-6-15.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 37° 23.696′ N, 79° 9.091′ W. Marker is in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is in Seminary Hill. Marker is at the intersection of Dewitt Street and Garfield Avenue

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, on the right when traveling west on Dewitt Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2058 Garfield Ave, 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. Ota Benga (within shouting distance of this marker); John Chilembwe (within shouting distance of this marker); Gregory Willis Hayes (within shouting distance of this marker); Desmond Thomas Doss (approx. 0.3 miles away); Professor Frank Trigg (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dr. Robert Walter Johnson House and Tennis Court (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dr. Robert Walter Johnson (approx. 0.6 miles away); Site of Dr. Johnson's Tennis Court (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynchburg.

Also see . . .
1. Virginia University of Lynchburg. (Submitted on May 26, 2014.)
2. Virginia University of Lynchburg. National Register of Historic Places (Submitted on November 10, 2021.)

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 26, 2014

2. Virginia University of Lynchburg Marker

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 26, 2014

3. Virginia University of Lynchburg Marker

Gregory Willis Hayes Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, May 26, 2014

4. Gregory Willis Hayes Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 817 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 26, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on May 27, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.