Constructed in 1906, the DeWitt-Wharton Manufacturing Company Building is emblematic of the rise during the early 20th century of a thriving textile industry in the City of Lynchburg, after the city embraced manufacturing beyond that based primarily on tobacco and iron. The building is a good example of the Contemporary Industrial style, designed by prolific local architect Edward G. Frye. Known mostly for his residential and Victorian-inspired designs, Frye also designed noteworthy Classicist buildings such as Hopwood Hall and Carnegie Hall at the University of Lynchburg. The Dewitt-Wharton Manufacturing Company Building is composed of brick and resting on a stone basement. The four-story building is marked by character-defining stylistic elements such as a low-pitch gable roof, arched windows, and the use of natural materials. It has experienced only minimal alterations during its history in service to numerous textile manufacturing companies throughout the 20th century. With four floors of large open spaces, the DeWitt-Wharton building retains integrity of its original design, workmanship, and materials.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Programs
DHR has secured permanent legal protection for over 700 historic places - including 15,000 acres of battlefield lands
DHR has erected 2,532 highway markers in every county and city across Virginia
DHR has registered more than 3,317 individual resources and 613 historic districts
DHR has engaged over 450 students in 3 highway marker contests
DHR has stimulated more than $4.2 billion dollars in private investments related to historic tax credit incentives, revitalizing communities of all sizes throughout Virginia