Bristol, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Vance Klondike Derby

Ocanosta District

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2019

1. Vance Klondike Derby Marker

Inscription. Bristol resident J.C. Vance pioneered the concept of a Klondike Derby as a Scouting event in Bristol, Virginia, in 1968, and with his brother, Albert J. Vance, successfully launched the first event in 1970. Shortly before his death in 1975, J.C. Vance requested that his brother, Albert J. Vance, continue their legacy and vision of the Klondike Derby in Bristol.

The Klondike Derby is an annual outdoor winter event where Boy Scout patrols compete at stations featuring tests of their Scouting skills, while transporting their gear on a homemade sledge. Throughout the decades, the Klondike Derby has provided hundreds of Scouts with the opportunity to develop leadership and citizenship skills that they will carry with them for life.

In 1970, the second Saturday in February was officially proclaimed Klondike Derby Day in Bristol, Virginia. Each year, the Klondike Derby convenes in downtown Bristol, prominently showcasing activities that inspire community and build awareness of Scouting. In 2013, the derby was renamed the Vance Klondike Derby to honor the Vance family's contributions to Scouting.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.

Location. 36° 35.711′ N, 82° 10.851′

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W. Marker is in Bristol, Virginia. It is on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (Virginia Route 113) north of State Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, on the east side of a bank parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 425 State Street, Bristol VA 24201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Tri-Cities Area,

in Southwest Virginia,

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bristol (a few steps from this marker); Historic Bristol (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bristol (within shouting distance of this marker in Tennessee); Bristol Sessions (within shouting distance of this marker in Tennessee); First Country and Western Recording (within shouting distance of this marker in Tennessee); Bristol Union Railway Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Mississippi Country: The Bristol Sessions (within shouting distance of this marker in Tennessee); Confederate Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker in Tennessee). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bristol.

Other markers no longer nearby. Civil War Memorial (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Birthplace of Bristol (was within shouting distance of this marker in Tennessee but has been confirmed missing).

Vance Klondike Derby Marker (<i>wide view • bank parking lot in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, May 13, 2019

2. Vance Klondike Derby Marker (wide view • bank parking lot in background)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 670 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 23, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.