Historic Sandusky

Visit this historic home dating prior to the American Civil War.

Charles Johnston built historic Sandusky in 1808. Johnston was a successful businessman in the tobacco trade. He was so successful that he helped Thomas Jefferson out when he began working in the business. When 1818 hit, the tobacco market crashed. Posterity turned to poverty almost overnight, and Johnston had to sell Sandusky. The Hutter family were the owners of Sandusky in the 1850s during the Civil War era and during the Battle of Lynchburg. Ulysses S. Grant sent Major General David Hunter to take Sandusky and used it as his headquarters while the war raged outside the house. The Hutter family soon became prisoners in their own home, and many of the soldiers stole, destroyed, and disrespected the home. After the soldiers retreated, the family recovered their home and continued living here until 1952.

Open since 2000; visitors are welcome to tour this historic home in Lynchburg, Virginia. The Hutter family descendants donated original furniture to the museum, including a piano from 1814, which was the center of the home. You will see Sandusky in its 1850s Civil War aesthetic. Please note that tours are available by appointment only at this time. View their website for the most up-to-date information. Don't miss out on the Historic Sandusky home if you're road tripping through western Virginia.