North Downtown in Charlottesville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Gen. Alexander Archer Vandegrift

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 15, 2008

1. Gen. Alexander Archer Vandegrift Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Gen. Alexander Archer Vandegrift was born in Charlottesville on 13 Mar. 1887. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1909 and served on posts in the Caribbean, Central America, China, and the United States. General Vandegrift led American forces in their first successful major Pacific offensive in World War II at Guadalcanal and was awarded the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor. He also served as the Commandant of the Marine Corps from l944 to 1947 and in 1945 became the first active-duty Marine four-star general. He died on 8 May 1973 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Erected 2000 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number Q-25.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients, the Medal of Honor Recipients, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1973.

Location. 38° 1.929′ N, 78° 28.683′ W. Marker is in Charlottesville

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, Virginia. It is in North Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of East High Street and 4th Street NE, on the right when traveling east on East High Street. Marker is at the edge of Jackson Park next to the old courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charlottesville VA 22902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Meriwether Lewis (within shouting distance of this marker); Paul Goodloe McIntire (within shouting distance of this marker); Albemarle County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jack Jouett’s Ride (about 300 feet away); Albemarle County Court House (about 300 feet away); Historic Courthouse Square (about 300 feet away); First Baptist Church (about 300 feet away); A Bicentennial Tribute (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlottesville.

Also see . . . Alexander A. Vandegrift, General, United States Marine Corps. “General Vandegrift was detached to the First Marine Division in November 1941 shortly before the outbreak of World War II. He was promoted to major general in March 1942, and in May sailed for the South Pacific area as Commanding general of the first Marine division to ever leave the shores of the United States. On August 7, 1942, in the Solomon Islands, he led ashore the First Marine Division, Reinforced, in the first large-scale offensive action against the Japanese.” (Submitted on May 2, 2009.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 15, 2008

2. Gen. Alexander Archer Vandegrift Marker

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, June 27, 2009

3. Gen. Alexander Archer Vandegrift Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,008 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 2, 2009, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on July 22, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee.