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

Virginia Military Institute

A National Historic Landmark

By Dan Fisher, June 20, 2010

1. Virginia Military Institute Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The nation's first state military college, VMI was founded in 1839 on the concept of the citizen-soldier. The Corps of Cadets fought as a unit in the 1864 Battle of New Market. Confederate General "Stonewall" Jackson and oceanographer Matthew Fontaine Maury were among its faculty. George C. Marshall, a 1901 graduate, served as Army Chief of Staff in W.W. II, and later as Secretary of State, devising the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Erected 1989 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number I-1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Peace • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil • War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 37° 47.329′ N, 79° 26.404′ W. Marker is in Lexington, Virginia. Marker is at the intersection of Letcher Avenue and Maiden Lane, on the left when traveling east

By Craig Swain, May 28, 2011

2. Virginia Military Institute Marker

Click or scan to see
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on Letcher Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lexington VA 24450, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Cabell House (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotchkiss House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Virginia Military Institute (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Robinson (about 500 feet away); Sigma Nu Fraternity (about 600 feet away); William Graham (about 600 feet away); Washington and Lee University (about 700 feet away); Traveller’s Grave (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lexington.

Also see . . .
1. Virginia Military Institute. (Submitted on June 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
2. George C. Marshall - Biography. Nobelprize.org - the official website of the Nobel Prize (Submitted on June 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Virginia Military Institute Barracks image. Click for full size.

National Register of Historic Places

3. Virginia Military Institute Barracks

Virginia Military Institute New Market Ceremony image. Click for full size.

By Bernard Fisher, May 15, 2006

4. Virginia Military Institute New Market Ceremony

Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 855 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on June 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on May 31, 2011, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on June 21, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.