Lynchburg’s Federal Hill is the smallest of the cities seven hills.  Bounded by steep hills near 12th Street and a valley near 8th and Madison Streets it was located outside of the original city limits.  Federal Hill could be called Lynchburg’s first suburbs as homes were built before 1819, when it became part of the town.

Some of the first homes were built by Lynchburg merchants and civic leaders.  These homes were built in Federal Hill as it’s location provided easy access to the downtown area and to the court house and city buildings.  Most of the homes built on Federal Hill were brick, in the Federal-style featuring symmetry and fine details.

Lynchburg High School, built in 1899, stands on Federal Street.  It later became the Frank Roane Elementary School.  Today this very large, buff brick building has been converted into apartments.