Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) celebrated the 160th year of public education in Lynchburg with a special plaque dedication ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The plaque was donated by the Sons of Union Veterans Of The Civil War (SUVCW) to commemorate the 1865 founding of the city’s school system.
“This plaque reminds us not only of our history, but of the belief that every child deserves access to learning and opportunity,” said LCS Superintendent Dr. Kristy Somerville-Midgette. “Public education in Lynchburg began with a strong commitment to children, and that same spirit continues to guide us today. Even after 160 years, we are still evolving to meet the needs of our students, families, and community.”
Lynchburg’s public school system was founded by Union Brig. Gen. Newton M. Curtis in the fall of 1865. With the help of local clergy members, he formed the city’s first school board and opened four elementary schools. The first teachers were Union soldiers, many of whom had been educators before enlisting in the army.
Because of Curtis’ initiative, Lynchburg had a public school system five years before Virginia instituted public education statewide. This year, we celebrate the 160-year legacy of public schools in Lynchburg.
