Virginia Tech in Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Founding of the Future Farmers of Virginia

Photographed by Kathy Walker, February 16, 2009

1. Founding of the Future Farmers of Virginia Marker

Inscription. The Future Farmers of Virginia (FFV) was founded on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute by four members of the Agricultural Education Department in September, 1925. Developed as a statewide organization for boys enrolled in high school vocational agriculture, the FFV was used as a model for establising the Future Farmers of America. The four founders were Walter Newman, Henry Groseclose, Edmund Magill, and Harry Sanders.

Erected 1988 by Department of Conservation and Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-64.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1925.

Location. 37° 12.645′ N, 80° 25.564′ W. Marker is in Blacksburg, Virginia, in Montgomery County. It is in Virginia Tech. It is on Southgate Drive north of Bypass U.S. 460, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Blacksburg VA 24061, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Virginia,

in the Blue Ridge Highlands,

and in the New River Gorge.

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: Smithfield (here, next to this marker); Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (here, next to this marker); Virginia 4-H State Congress

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(here, next to this marker); Cemetery Landscape (approx. 0.4 miles away); Preston Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); William Ballard Preston (approx. 0.6 miles away); Revolutionary War Patriots (approx. 0.6 miles away); Liberty and Justice for All (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blacksburg.

More about this marker. Marker was moved 500 yds south from its original location (GPS 37.21450, -80.428043) when Southgate Drive was reconfigured.

Founding of the Future Farmers of Virginia Marker (original location) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, February 16, 2009

2. Founding of the Future Farmers of Virginia Marker (original location)

Markers with Virginia Tech campus map image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kathy Walker, February 16, 2009

3. Markers with Virginia Tech campus map

Area of marker's original location on old Southgate Drive. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 17, 2023

4. Area of marker's original location on old Southgate Drive.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,801 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on July 14, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of marker in new location. • Can you help?