LEGACY BUILT,
BRICK BY BRICK.
At the corner of Fifth Street and legacy stands a building with deep roots in Virginia history — once the vision of Adolphus Humbles, now reimagined for the future.
Adolphus Humbles
Adolphus Humbles (1840–1926) was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political leader whose impact on Campbell County and the city of Lynchburg still echoes today. Born in a time of deep systemic barriers, Humbles defied the odds to become a successful merchant, toll road operator, and respected community leader.
Born in 1840, Humbles was a successful merchant and toll road operator in Campbell County, Virginia. He operated the toll road between Lynchburg and Rustburg and played a key role in local business and politics.
He also served as Treasurer of the Virginia State Baptist Convention and the Virginia Theological Seminary and College, now Virginia University of Lynchburg, where the main academic building, Humbles Hall, still bears his name.
HUMBLES LEGACY
Fifth Street served as a hub for Black-owned businesses and cultural life in Lynchburg during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Humbles Building is one of its oldest surviving structures.
Today, the Humbles Building stands as a cornerstone of the Fifth Street Historic District, a testament to his vision and entrepreneurship.
EXPERIENCE IT YOURSELF
Lynchburg continues to grow and evolve, and Fifth Street remains a vital thread in the city’s story.