University in Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Clinton Harriman Cowgill
(1897-1975)
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011
1. Clinton Harriman Cowgill Marker
Engineering 1928-1956
The founder of VPI's Department of Architectural Engineering, forerunner of today's Architecture program, Clinton H. Gowgill guided the department's growth from 34 students and two professors to 229 students and 13 professors. He wrote two books on architecture and buildings; served on the Virginia State Board for Examination and Certification of Professional Engineers, Architects, and Land Surveyors; and played a significant role in planning the physical development of the campus.
Cowgill Hall completed in 1969
Erected by VPI Class of 1953.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 37° 13.786′ N, 80° 25.476′ W. Marker is in Blacksburg, Virginia, in Montgomery County. It is in University. It can be reached from West Turner Street west of Stanger Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Blacksburg VA 24061, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Highlands, and in the New River Gorge. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once 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 marker: Charles Henry Burchard (here, next to this marker); George Burke Johnston (within shouting distance of this marker); John William Hancock Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Also see . . . Cowgill Hall. Virginia Tech (Submitted on June 1, 2011.)
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011
2. Cowgill Hall, marker on left
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 766 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
