Daniels Hill is one of the seven iconic hills that frame downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. This narrow, elongated hill is beautifully bordered by the James River to the east and Blackwater Creek to the west. Nestled immediately northeast of Lynchburg’s central business district, Daniels Hill quickly became the favored neighborhood for merchants, business owners, and residents who desired close proximity to the commercial heart of the city and scenic river views.
According to records from the Lynchburg News on June 29, 1875, Daniels Hill—originally known as Danielstown—was named in honor of Judge William Daniel. At that time, the community boasted a population of over 600 residents across 130 homes. By September 1880, the Lynchburg Virginian noted that nearly every lot on Daniels Hill was occupied, marking the rapid development of this historic district.
Throughout the 1870s to 1890s, Lynchburg’s affluent merchants built elegant homes on Daniels Hill, using the area as an escape from the crowded inner city. With its convenient location, merchants could walk or ride in their carriages to work, while many also built modest rental homes for their workers. Following the Civil War and Emancipation, local homeowners even provided housing for their former house staff, reflecting the neighborhood’s evolving social fabric.
In August 1875, property owners on Daniels Hill convened to shape the future of their community. The main thoroughfare, Cabell Street, was established, running directly along the spine of the hill. Streets parallel to Cabell were named after locally prominent families, while perpendicular roads received alphabetical designations. This strategic planning, combined with the sale of new lots and the construction of the 6th Street Bridge across Blackwater Creek, made Daniels Hill one of the most actively developed neighborhoods of the era.
The year 1878 marked a significant milestone with the construction of a substantial metal bridge over Blackwater Creek—the first of its kind in Lynchburg, fabricated by Lynchburg Iron Works under retired General T. T. Munford. Capable of accommodating two wagons, this bridge connected Commerce and Cabell Streets, making it a vital thoroughfare for residents. Although car traffic was later removed in 1944, the bridge served as a pedestrian link until 1984.
Another notable structure, the D Street Bridge, was originally built in 1884 as a pedestrian walkway. Reinforced with concrete in 1925, it remained a key piece of Lynchburg’s early infrastructure until safety concerns led to its replacement in 2011.
After reaching its peak prosperity in the 1880s, Daniels Hill experienced a period of decline. The construction of the Rivermont Bridge, the rise of automobile travel, and the development of the Williams Viaduct in 1917—which detached Daniels Hill from the traditional James River crossing—altered regional traffic patterns and contributed to a shift in the neighborhood’s economic vitality.
In 1982, Daniels Hill was officially recognized as a historic district by the National Register of Historic Places. In the past decade, however, there has been a vibrant resurgence in the area. Renovations, restorations, and ongoing revitalization efforts now blend historical heritage with modern urban energy, making Daniels Hill a dynamic example of Lynchburg’s evolving landscape.
Cabell Street emerged as a distinguished residential and commercial corridor in Lynchburg, Virginia after the Civil War, becoming an integral part of the city when it was incorporated in 1870. This historic avenue has long been synonymous with the growth and evolution of Lynchburg, offering visitors an insightful glimpse into the region's rich past.
The origins of Cabell Street are deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Cabell family. In 1805, Dr. George Cabell Sr. purchased the expansive Point of Honor—an 856-acre estate originally owned by the Lynch family. The estate’s renowned namesake is linked to a bloodless duel between Colonel Maurio Langhorne and Captain Samuel Wiatt, and it later became famous for hosting notable patients like Patrick Henry. After Dr. Cabell’s passing in 1823 from injuries sustained in a horse accident, the property passed to his son, William Lewis Cabell. Following William’s brief tenure and marriage to Eliza Daniel—daughter of Judge William Daniel Sr.—the estate was eventually inherited by her father, ensuring that the Cabell legacy continued to shape Lynchburg’s historical narrative.
At the base of Cabell Street, three commercial buildings establish the historic entrance to the neighborhood. These structures, including two early tobacco warehouses, highlight an essential chapter of Lynchburg’s 19th-century economy and underscore the street’s architectural diversity. As the area evolved from a subdivided plantation in the 1840s, Cabell Street became home to a broad array of building styles. From impressive mansions to vernacular workers’ houses built for laborers employed in the nearby James River factories, the street reflects a dynamic interplay of wealth and industry that defined the era.
One of the standout addresses on Cabell Street is 404 Cabell Street, designed by R.C. Burkholder—Lynchburg’s first professionally trained architect. After establishing himself in 1850 as a skilled carpenter, mill owner, and builder, Burkholder transitioned to full-time architecture by 1876. His work on 404 Cabell Street, known as the Watts House, was constructed between 1875 and 1878. This ornate red brick Italianate mansion was subsequently expanded over the years, featuring a popular late-19th-century front porch addition that culminates at the north end in an elegant porte-cochere. The property’s elaborate carriage house, built in 1909 and framed by an iron fence with robust brick and stone pillars, continues to evoke a sense of dignity and opulence as a testament to Lynchburg’s storied past.
Today, Cabell Street remains a vibrant part of Lynchburg’s historic district, celebrated for its diverse architectural styles and layered history. From its early days as a region shaped by influential families like the Cabells and Daniels to its later role in housing both merchants' grand mansions and workers’ dwellings, Cabell Street stands as a tangible link to the city’s historical and economic evolution. This rich heritage makes the area not only a must-see for history enthusiasts but also a significant part of Lynchburg’s ongoing urban revival.
Nestled in the heart of Lynchburg, Virginia, 404 Cabell Street stands as a testament to the rich history of the Watts family, a name synonymous with enterprise and community leadership in the region. Originally owned by Richard Thomas Watts, the home remains an important part of Lynchburg’s architectural and historical landscape.
Born on September 5, 1838, in Bedford County, Virginia, R.T. Watts pursued higher education at Emory and Henry College before enlisting in the Second Virginia Cavalry during the Civil War. Rising through the ranks, he ultimately served as adjutant with White's Battalion, surviving both capture and injury at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House before being held as a prisoner at Fort Delaware until the war’s end.
Following his military service, Watts demonstrated remarkable business acumen, co-founding Jones, Watts, & Co., one of Lynchburg’s earliest wholesale hardware enterprises, with branches in Bedford City, Danville, Salem, and Roanoke. After the company was sold in 1887, Watts expanded his ventures into coal mining, real estate, and financial investments, serving as vice president of Lynchburg Trust and Savings and director of the Lynchburg Cotton Mill. He remained a pivotal figure in Lynchburg until his passing on September 21, 1910.
Upon his death, Watts left the 404 Cabell Street home—along with its contents, carriage, horses, and a substantial estate—to his wife, Emma T. Watts. Emma, born July 2, 1849, likely grew up at 314 Cabell Street before marrying R.T. Watts in 1874. The couple had eleven children, five of whom reached adulthood. Emma’s unexpected passing in 1911 resulted in the home being inherited by Mary F. Watts, their youngest daughter, who later married John Williams James and raised a family at 404 Cabell Street before selling the home in 1928.
Each of the Watts children left a lasting mark on Lynchburg’s economic and civic development:
The Watts family history and 404 Cabell Street serve as key chapters in Lynchburg’s historic narrative, reflecting a dynamic blend of entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and cultural preservation. As one of the city's significant historic homes, it remains a compelling landmark that connects the present to Lynchburg’s rich past.
Nestled in Lynchburg, Virginia, 404 Cabell Street has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the decades, evolving from a family residence to a traveler’s retreat, and ultimately becoming the beautifully preserved Carriage House Inn that guests experience today.
In 1928, Mary Watts sold the property to Lena Fore, a successful businesswoman and real estate investor, for $17,050. Lena lived in the home and, between 1938 and 1939, converted it into the Cabell and D Street Tourist Home, providing accommodations for travelers.
During World War II, Lynchburg was a key railway hub, serving as the termination point for three major rail lines. Tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors, and marines passed through the city, many staying at 404 Cabell Street on their way to or from war. By the late 1950s, the home reverted to a single-family residence, where Lena Fore and her brother lived.
As Lena’s health declined, her sister Sallie Fore Tabb became her legal guardian. In 1961, a chancery court case led to the public auction of four of Lena’s properties, including 404 Cabell Street, which sold for $8,100 to Wiley V. and Norma E. Johnson.
It appears the Johnsons did not live at the property, instead converting it into four apartments. According to family records, Wiley owned multiple Cabell Street properties, using the Carriage House as a woodworking shop.
The Johnsons moved when their daughter was ready for school, choosing Rivermont Avenue over the local school, which lacked proper learning resources. Over time, 404 Cabell Street changed hands five more times before reaching its next major milestone.
On June 23, 2003, Michael and Kathy purchased 404 Cabell Street, embarking on an ambitious restoration project. Many of the original light fixtures, mantels, doors, and plumbing remained intact, offering a glimpse into the home’s 19th-century craftsmanship.
The couple modernized essential infrastructure, converting steam radiators to a hot water system, adding central air conditioning, and repairing the massive roof leaks, which had left over 40 buckets scattered in the attic to catch rainwater.
Despite structural updates, the home’s integrity remained untouched:
With the philosophy “Experience the past as if it were yesterday,” Michael and Kathy ensured every detail reflected the Watts family's era, embracing historical preservation at its finest.
In February 2023, Mike & Ruth Erquiaga became the new innkeepers, continuing the legacy of intentional care and hospitality. Their vision is to uphold The Carriage House Inn's rich history while welcoming guests into its warm, storied walls.
Experience this history for yourself—Book a stay in The Watts family Italianate Mansion.