Ettrick in Chesterfield County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
"The Rocks"
Virginia State University
"The Rocks" became a popular place for students to meet down on the Appomattox River. The group seen here is from the "Normal Class" of 1913. The term "normal" referred to teacher training programs. The "collegiate institute" included training in higher mathematics and humanities subjects.
Traditionally, students affiliated with Greek-letter organizations are permitted to display the colorful alphabet of their various organizations on the rocks.
Today the Greek organizations take pride in painting "The Rocks" each year in preparation for VSU's homecoming.
Erected by Virginia State University.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.
Location. 37° 13.992′ N, 77° 25.043′ W. Marker is in Ettrick, Virginia, in Chesterfield County. It is on Chesterfield Avenue (Virginia Route 36), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Piedmont, in Central Virginia, and in the Richmond Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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: Mr. Frederick Francoz Simms (here, next to this marker); The History of Virginia State University (a few steps from this marker); The Beginning of Ettrick (a few steps from this marker); Local Workforce At The Mills (a few steps from this marker); Shaping Of The Town (within shouting distance of this marker); Silk Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Simms Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroad Crossing Over The Appomattox River
Another marker is no longer nearby. Ettrick (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 423 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 9, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
