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

Virginia’s First World War I Monument

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 28, 2009

1. Virginia’s First World War I Monument Marker

Inscription. On Memorial Day 1921, Hopewell American Legion Post 80 dedicated the Commonwealth of Virginia’s first tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice during World War I. The monument now honors Hopewell’s fallen heroes from succeeding wars and conflicts. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 637 currently maintains the structure ensuring its survival for generations to come.

This story board was made possible by the generosity of the Hopewell Rotary Club and the City of Hopewell.

Erected 1921 by American Legion.

Topics and series. This historical marker and monument is listed in this topic list: War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 37° 17.69′ N, 77° 17.871′ W. Marker is in Hopewell, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Circle and South 15th Avenue, in the median on Washington Circle. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1507 Lynchburg St, Hopewell VA 23860, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Army of the James Monument (approx. ¾ mile away); Cpl Philip R Smith (approx. ¾ mile away); Pvt. John G. Smith (approx. ¾ mile away); City Point National Cemetery

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(approx. ¾ mile away); A National Cemetery System (approx. ¾ mile away); In Honor of Those Who Gave the Ultimate Sacrifice (approx. ¾ mile away); "Captain Francis Eppes Making Friends with the Appomattox Indians" (approx. ¾ mile away); Peter Francisco (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hopewell.

More about this monument. "Designed and erected by Hopewell American Legion Post #80, the first monument in Virginia dedicated to the men who made the supreme sacrifice in World War I, was introduced to the public on Memorial Day 1921. Post #80, organized on October 2, 1919 remained viable through the late 1950’s.

The veterans who built this wonderful monument established a “Last Man Standing Club”. Having purchased an expensive bottle of whiskey to be left sealed, the “Last Man” was sworn to set up glasses, open the bottle and drink a toast to his fallen comrades. This decades old pact was fulfilled by Augustus “Gus” Robbins in 1980, the “Last Man Standing”.

The monument has been refitted and restored over the years. The titanic columns and delicate

Hopewell's World War I Monument. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 28, 2009

2. Hopewell's World War I Monument.

iron grillwork pay tribute to Hopewell’s war dead, POW’s, and MIA’s from World War I to the present. VFW Post #637 currently cares for the structure ensuring that the monument will survive for many generations to come."
Murals, Monuments and Statues of Hopewell, Virginia.

WW I Artillery Piece. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 28, 2009

3. WW I Artillery Piece.

War Memorials in Washington Circle, Hopwell, Va.. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 28, 2009

4. War Memorials in Washington Circle, Hopwell, Va..

Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,099 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 4, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.