Named for Major Gen. Jeffery Amherst, British commander in North America during the latter part of the French and Indian War. Gov. of VA 1759-1768.

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The old courthouse was built in 1870. The first sections of the current Amherst courthouse date from 1970 with a newer section seven years later.

The railing from the original courthouse was removed and installed on the second floor of the new courthouse. It has a prominent place in front of the large window. As you look out the window notice in the left section of the railing. It has a number of notches, which are believed to represent the number of hangings. We counted eight notches.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg was named for John Lynch, who had a ferry service across the James River in 1757. In 1786 the General Assembly granted Lynchburg its charter. It was incorporated in 1805 and became a city in 1852. It was soon a thriving port. By the mid-1800s it was second only to New Bedford, Massachusetts in per capita income.

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