Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
William Bradford Alwood
(1845 - 1946)
Photographed By Kevin W., April 5, 2013
1. William Bradford Alwood Marker
Horticulture, Mycology, & Entomology
Vice Director, Virginia Agricultural
Experiment Station (1888 - 1904)
"The splendid service which you rendered this institution will ever be remembered, and it is my hope that some day your name will be honored in some permanent manner, which will remain here for all time to let those who come after us know of your part in the making of this institution." - President Julian A. Burruss, February 3, 1927
Internationally acclaimed scientist William Alwood taught safe pesticide use and non-chemical management of plant diseases and insects. A leader of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, first located on this site, he quickly controlled an invasive insect in 1892, earning the reputation as savior of the fruit industry and father of Virginia Horticulture. He founded the Virginia State Horticultural Society, was the first state entomologist, headed the Pest Commission, and pushed enactment of the first pest control law in the Eastern U.S. He advised the Bicycle Club of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI, now Virginia Tech), conducted international research and toured orchards statewide on a bicycle, and planted hundreds of trees across the campus. The remaining tree among them was dedicated to him in 2011. Alwood
this page online
Alwood Plaza completed in 2012
Donated by the Alwood and M. J. Weaver Families and the Virginia State Horticultural Society
Erected 2013 by Alwood and M. J. Weaver Families and the Virginia State Horticultural Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Horticulture & Forestry. A significant historical date for this entry is February 3, 1825.
Location. 37° 13.687′ N, 80° 25.414′ W. Marker is in Blacksburg, Virginia, in Montgomery County. Marker is on Drillfield Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Blacksburg VA 24061, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Alwood Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); April 16th Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Julian Ashby Burruss (within shouting distance of this marker); John Edward Williams (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Frank Leigh Robeson (about 400 feet away); Earl Bertram Norris
Photographed By Kevin W., April 5, 2013
2. William Bradford Alwood Marker
Also see . . .
1. Alwood Plaza. Virginia Tech web site about the Alwood Plaza and marker. (Submitted on April 7, 2013, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
2. Special Citation Honoring Professor William Bradford Alwood. Virginia Tech website entry (Submitted on April 6, 2013.)
Photographed By Kevin W., April 5, 2013
3. The Alwood Oak
Photographed By Kevin W., April 5, 2013
4. Alwood Oak Plaque
Across the street from the Alwood Marker is this plaque marking the tree mentioned on this marker. It reads:
Alwood Oak
(Quercus Macrocarpa - Bur Oak)
Planted in 1895 by
William Bradford Alwood
Professor of Horticulture,
Mycology and Entomology
(Quercus Macrocarpa - Bur Oak)
Planted in 1895 by
William Bradford Alwood
Professor of Horticulture,
Mycology and Entomology
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2013, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 445 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 6, 2013, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
