Near Aldie in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
America's Oldest Agriculture College
April 18, 2009
1. America's Oldest Agriculture College Marker
A mile north of here, on Oatlands Road, stands the stone and stucco building, erected in 1854 as Loudoun and Mechanical Institute. Its three founders were prominent County agrarian scientists. Unfortunately, America's first agricultural college, Loudoun A&M, failed to thrive and in 1860 folded.On June 17, 1863, John Singleton Mosby and his Rangers were resting at the school's site and observed the dust clouds from the ferocious Battle of Aldie taking place here.
In 1916, the school building and property became the headquarters of the National Beagle Club, where today are held the annual beagle trials. In 1982, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected by Snickersville Turnpike Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 17, 1863.
Location. 38° 59.521′ N, 77° 39.824′ W. Marker is near Aldie, Virginia, in Loudoun County. Marker is on Snickersville Turnpike (County Route 734), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Battle of Aldie (a few steps from this marker); First Mass. Cavalry (a few steps from this marker); Snickersville Turnpike (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named Battle of Aldie (approx. 1.1 miles away); Institute Farm (approx. 1.1 miles away); To The Memory of C. Oliver Iselin, Jr., M.B. (approx. 1.1 miles away); A Revolutionary War Hero (approx. 1.2 miles away); Gettysburg Campaign (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aldie.
Also see . . .
1. Loudoun Agricultural and Mechanical Institute. Virginia Department of Historic Resources website entry (Submitted on April 27, 2009.)
2. Snickersville Turnpike Association, The Pike Packet. On page 3 of the the March, 2008 newsletter is an article entitled, Virginia's Oldest Agriculture Institute. (Submitted on April 27, 2009.)
3. Battle of Aldie. National Park Service Summary (Submitted on April 27, 2009.)
April 18, 2009
2. America's Oldest Agriculture College Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, June 7, 2009
3. America's Oldest Agriculture College Marker
The marker stands at a pulloff, along with a marker for the battle of Aldie and a monument for the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry.
April 27, 2009
4. The Historic Institute Building
April 27, 2009
5. Plaques on Door
Institute Farm
has been registered as a
Virginia
Historic
Landmark
pursuant to the authority vested in the
Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission
Act of 1966
This Property has been
placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
By the United States
Department of the Interior
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2009. This page has been viewed 1,447 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2009. 3. submitted on June 8, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4, 5. submitted on April 27, 2009. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
