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

Roy Jay Holden

(1870-1945)

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011

1. Roy Jay Holden Marker

Inscription. Professor 1905-1945
Head, Department of Geology 1907-1945
The head of VPI's Geology Department for 38 years, noted geologist Roy Jay Holden sited Virginia's first gas well, located water wells when a shortage threatened VPI, and assessed the safety of the Claytor Lake Dam site, but he forged his true legacy in the classroom. Known as a great teacher, he stimulated a lifelong scientific interest in his students. He died while preparing a lecture for his class.

Holden Hall completed in 1940

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 1940.

Location. 37° 13.796′ N, 80° 25.318′ W. Marker is in Blacksburg, Virginia, in Montgomery County. It is in University. It can be reached from Stanger Street north of Drillfield Drive. 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: John McLaren McBryde (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William MacFarland Patton (about 300 feet away); Earl Bertram Norris (about 300 feet away); Lingan Strother Randolph (about 400 feet away); Time Capsule

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(about 400 feet away); William Addison Caldwell (about 500 feet away); John William Hancock Jr. (about 500 feet away); Paul Ernest Torgersen (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blacksburg.

Also see . . . Holden Hall. Virginia Tech (Submitted on June 1, 2011.)

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011

2. Holden Hall

Wall plaque 200 feet west of Holden Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011

3. Wall plaque 200 feet west of Holden Hall

Roy Jay Holden (1870-1945) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, May 28, 2011

4. Roy Jay Holden (1870-1945)

Professor 1905-1945 The head of VPI's Department of Geology for 38 years, Roy Jay Holden was a noted geologist who sited Virginia's first gas well, located water wells when a water shortage threatened VPI, and assessed the safety of the Claytor Lake Dam site. But it was in the classroom that he forged his true legacy. Known as a great teacher, he stimulated a lifelong scientific interest in his students. He died on December 16, 1945 while preparing a lecture for his class.

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 977 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.