What's the deal with Lynchwood?

[WickedRequiem]

Almost finished with normal Maya playthrough, and I just realized that I never visited Lynchwood (I suppose I can visit there after Warrior).

What's the deal with that place? It has nothing to do with the story (well, nothing direct)... but it feels like too big of a map with too many things going on to be an entirely "optional" area. Was it originally a dlc map?

[Roller Mobster]

No, its a zone of the game "independant" from the story, u can get in when u come to dust and i think its from Borderlands lore.

[z00t]

There are maps you don't 'have to visit'. Lynchwood is one of them. Not part of the story line, but there are missions there that form part of a sequence. Have a look at the bounty board in Overlook. There is one mission there to kill lots of bandits on behalf of Hyperion. That will get you to the place, then when you get there, Brick has some missions for you - it all adds to his story and background.
If you collected the Bane mission in Sanctuary, you will end up in Lynchwood as well.
Lynchwood is where you find Axton's story in the echo logs. You will meet Dukino and later, his mom. Who you will grow to hate with a passion when you encounter her on Digistruct Peak.
It is a fun map. Lots and lots of enemies with guns who don't like you much. :)

[daveash]

You also get the sherriffs and deputies badges there,the sherriffs badge is an absolute must if your using pistols.

[Dimli Son Of Groin]

errr isnt lynchwood where you need to get the explosives to blow up the bridge to get to the stockade?..

[z00t]

Originally posted by OptimusFeedzz:

errr isnt lynchwood where you need to get the explosives to blow up the bridge to get to the stockade?..

You get to blow up a bridge, yes. But it is to stop a train carrying eridium. And annoy the sheriff.

[Fine_Print]

When you do The Bane mission you'll end up in Lynchwood.

[WickedRequiem]

Yes.
I just found it strange because it's a huge area with various side quests... and only side quests, not to mention the map design/theme being distinctly different than rest of the game.