University in Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

John William Hancock Jr.

(1904-1994)

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011

1. John William Hancock Jr. Marker

Inscription. Class of 1925
Member, Board of Visitors 1963-1971
Board Chairman, Virginia Tech Foundation
1969-1973, 1986-1991
A generous benefactor of his Alma mater, John W. Hancock Jr. was an astute businessman who founded Roanoke Electric Steel Corporation and John W. Hancock Jr. Inc. He was a futuristic thinker and deeply committed to civic projects. He helped establish Roanoke’s first industrial park, Center in the Square, and the Explore Park and spurred the integration of Roanoke restaurants.

Hancock Hall completed in 1990

Erected by VPI Class of 1953.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.

Location. 37° 13.799′ N, 80° 25.429′ 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.

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is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in 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: Lingan Strother Randolph (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles Henry Burchard (within shouting distance of this marker); Clinton Harriman Cowgill (within shouting distance of this marker); Earl Bertram Norris (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Burke Johnston (about 400 feet away); Roy Jay Holden (about 500 feet away); Time Capsule (about 600 feet away); Julian Ashby Burruss (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blacksburg.

Also see . . . John W. Hancock Jr. Hall. Virginia Tech (Submitted on June 1, 2011.)

John W. Hancock Jr. Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011

2. John W. Hancock Jr. Hall

Hancock Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011

3. Hancock Hall

John W. Hancock, Jr.
Class of 1925
College of Engineering
Industrialist
Philanthropist
and
Friend
of the University

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 1,380 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.