John R. McDaniel (1807 – 1878) was an American businessman, railroad promoter, and philanthropist based in Lynchburg, Virginia. He is primarily noted for his involvement in the development of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O), where he served as an early investor and board member, helping to extend rail service into the Shenandoah Valley and thereby stimulating regional economic growth.
Born in present‑day West Virginia, McDaniel moved to Lynchburg in the 1830s, where he established a successful mercantile firm that dealt in dry goods, cotton, and tobacco. His commercial success provided the capital for a series of investments in transportation infrastructure, including canals, turnpikes, and, most prominently, railroads. As a key figure in the C&O’s expansion, he advocated for routes linking the Ohio River to the Atlantic seaboard, contributing to the line’s eventual reach to the port of Newport News.
In addition to his business activities, McDaniel was a noted public benefactor. He donated land and funds for the construction of educational facilities, most famously the McDaniel Hall at Washington and Lee University, which was named in his honor. He also supported various civic projects in Lynchburg, such as hospitals and libraries.
McDaniel’s legacy is reflected in the continued operation of the rail corridors he helped establish and in the historic buildings bearing his name. He died in 1878, leaving a reputation as a pioneering entrepreneur who played a significant role in the economic development of central Virginia.
