LOCKED IN TIME: A Journey Through Church Street
Presented by Hill City Tours
He survived the war. But the war didn’t survive him.
Step beneath the lantern light and follow Captain Charles Blackford, a Confederate Civil War soldier who returned home from battle—but never truly escaped it.
Locked in Time is a 75–90 minute immersive, lantern-led journey through historic Church Street in Downtown Lynchburg. Beginning at Bowman’s Locksmith, Captain Blackford leads you through a city he remembers—and a city that has changed dramatically since his time.
Along the way, discover the history hidden behind Church Street’s brick façades: Lynchburg’s role during the Civil War, old churches and funeral traditions, courthouse history, forgotten vice districts, the John Wyatt School, the former Masonic lodge, and the people whose lives once unfolded along these streets.
But after darkness falls, history isn’t the only thing that remains.
Hear tales of phantom hospital wagons, footsteps from long-dead night watchmen, mourning women lingering near old churches, shadow figures beneath Courthouse Hill, unexplained knocks behind locked doors, and voices that seem to continue conversations begun generations ago.
At Monument Terrace, the tour takes a darker turn as Captain Blackford confronts the memories of the war he survived—and the soldiers who never returned home.
Then the lantern turns back toward Bowman’s.
The return journey reveals an entirely different side of Church Street: gambling, scandal, whispered encounters behind closed doors, an eerie schoolhouse roll call, Masonic mysteries, and one final question waiting at the locksmith…
When you open a door into the past, how certain are you that you can lock it again?
What to Expect
- 75–90 minute lantern-led walking tour
- A good mixture of history and locak lore
- Immersive storytelling led in character by Captain Charles Blackford
- Ghost stories, legends and a few carefully placed scares
- Historic Downtown Lynchburg and Church Street
- Walking distance under one mile
- Begins and ends at Bowman’s Locksmith, 1104 Church Street
This isn’t a haunted house.
It’s Lynchburg history told after dark—by a man who remembers more of it than he would like.
Some men came home from the Civil War.
Some never left it.
Will you walk Church Street with Captain Blackford?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW:
Paranormal Investigation Liability Waiver, Release, and Non-Disclosure Agreement By purchasing a ticket, registering for, or participating in a paranormal investigation hosted by Hill City After Dark LLC, I explicitly acknowledge and agree to the following terms for myself and all members of my party, including minors under my supervision: Nature of the Activity & Variable Locations: I understand that paranormal investigations take place at various designated historical locations, structures, and outdoor properties in and around Lynchburg, Virginia. I acknowledge that these locations may feature dark environments, tight spaces, steep or uneven stairwells, structural aging, unlevel terrain, and low-light conditions. Physical and Psychological Demands: I certify that I am physically fit to participate in an investigation that may last several hours and require standing, walking, or sitting in the dark. I also acknowledge that paranormal investigations can be psychologically stressful or startling, and I assume full responsibility for my own mental and emotional well-being during the event. Assumption of Risk: I knowingly and freely assume all risks, both known and unknown, associated with my participation, including but not limited to: slips, trips, falls, injuries sustained in darkness, environmental hazards, equipment malfunction, exposure to dust or allergens, and any unpredictable occurrences. Release of Liability: I hereby release, waive, and forever discharge Hill City After Dark LLC, its owners, guides, investigators, independent contractors, business partners, and the owners/management of the host properties from any and all liability, claims, demands, or causes of action for personal injury, property damage, illness, or wrongful death arising out of or related to my participation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. Property & Equipment Rules: I agree to abide by all rules, boundary restrictions, and safety protocols set by the lead investigators. I agree that I will not damage the host property or any paranormal equipment provided for use. I understand that I am financially responsible for any malicious or negligent damage I cause to the property or to Hill City After Dark LLC's equipment. Media & Content Rights: I acknowledge that Hill City After Dark LLC reserves the right to audio/video record or photograph the investigation for promotional, educational, or entertainment purposes. By participating, I grant permission for my likeness or voice to be used in such media. (If private guest audio/video recordings are restricted by the specific venue, I agree to follow those venue-specific non-disclosure guidelines explained at the start of the event). Investigation Conduct & Spiritual Restrictions: I agree to adhere to a respectful, technical, and non-confrontational method of investigation. There will be no conjuring, provocation, or taunting of the spirits of the locations. The use of unapproved items—including but not limited to Ouija boards, seances, or rituals—is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, guests are entirely forbidden from attempting any cleansing, banishing, or binding of spirits on or around the properties. Failure to comply with these behavioral guidelines will result in immediate removal from the premises without a refund. Digital Signature / Acknowledgment [ ] By checking this box, I am agreeing to these terms for myself and all members of my party, including minors under my supervision. [ ] I have read this Paranormal Investigation Liability Waiver and Release of Claims, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights by signing it. I freely and voluntarily agree to all terms by purchasing this ticket.
