McConnell's Birthplace

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 5, 2010

1. McConnell's Birthplace Marker

Inscription. Eight and one-half miles northwest was born John Preston McConnell, noted educator. He taught in Milligan College, the University of Virginia and Emory and Henry College. He was president of the Radford State Teachers College, 1913-1937. Dr. McConnell was president of Southwestern Virginia, Inc., and was associated with many cultural agencies.

Erected 1938 by Southwesten Virginia, Inc. (Marker Number K-14?.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 36° 38.086′ N, 82° 33.3′ W. Marker was in Gate City, Virginia, in Scott County. It was on Main Street (U.S. 23/58), on the right when traveling west. Located at a pull off at the entrance to Gate City. One of five markers in this cluster. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Gate City VA 24251, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the Tri-Cities Area

and in Southwest Virginia.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

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 location: A different marker also named First Court of Scott County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Carter Musical Family (approx. 0.4 miles away); John P. McConnell

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); Moccasin Gap (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named First Court of Scott County (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Donelson's Indian Line (approx. 0.4 miles away); Prospect Public School (approx. half a mile away); Blackmore’s Fort (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gate City.

Other markers no longer nearby. First Court of Scott County (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Big Moccasin Gap (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Donelson's Indian Line (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. This marker is unnumbered and erected by Southwestern Virginia Incorporated. Dr. McConnell was president of Southwestern Virginia Incorporated. In 1938 official Virginia markers were erected by the Conservation and Development Commission. This looks like but is not an official Virginia marker.

The 1941 edition of State Historical
Photographed by Craig Swain

2. Five Markers at the Entrance to Gate City
Markers of Virginia was the first edition to show a marker with this title at approximately this location. It was numbered K-14 and it and all subsequent marker guides have shown K-14 here at this location. None have marked K-14 missing, yet the DHR website does not have a photograph of K-14 yet it has photographs of the adjacent markers. Marker K-14 begins "Four miles south was born ..." which leads to speculation that K-14 went missing sometime before 2010 and this marker was put in its place.

Marker K-14 read, "Four miles south was born John Preston McConnell, noted educator. He taught in Milligan College, the University of Virginia and Emory and Henry College. He was president of the Radford State Teacher's College, 1913-1937. Dr. McConnell was president of Southwestern Virginia, Incorporated, and was associated with many cultural agencies. He was active in every phase of educational work, writing several books and many articles." In 1941, K-14 was "two miles south of Gate city" on U.S. 58.

Regarding McConnell's Birthplace. Was his birthplace 8½ miles northwest or 4 miles south?

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Replacement Marker Located Nearby titled "John P. McConnnell".

Five Markers at the Entrance to Gate City image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain

3. Five Markers at the Entrance to Gate City

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 931 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 20, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.