During the s, the red-light district of Lynchburg was commonly referred to as the Buzzards Roost. Subsequent occupants of the building include Jackson Bros. Prior to the construction of the building as well as neighboring buildings , the block of present-day Commerce Street was mostly residential. The late s saw houses with madams located at , , , , , and Commerce Street. Even before the Civil War, Buzzards Roost gained notoriety for its bordellos, bars, and gambling houses.
George P. Buell issued General Order 61 which read in part:. If found still occupying the premises. Officers will at once remove them, lock up the houses and hold the keys subject to the call of the owner of the property⦠keys will not be delivered except upon satisfactory assurances of owner that the premises shall be painted or whitewashed and not rented or used except for lawful or reputable purposes.
As the area became more commercial, the ladies moved to the area near the City Cemetery where a number of the madams, inmates and their families are buried. While we embrace the history of our city and this area, we are in no way condoning or promoting prostitution or any of the language or content that follows!
As soon as Spillman committed the deed, he ran into his house, when he was pursued by Col. Leftwich, accompanied by one of his negroes, whom he called to assist him in arresting Spillman. While in the domicile, Messrs. John Pick and David Lawson ran in to see what was the matter. When they entered they met Col. In attempting to arrest him, the negro being a large, athletic man knocked them both down.
As Mr. Pick attempted to arise, he seized the negro. At that moment, Col. Spillman and the negro were taken before the Mayor, who continued the case until next week.
