Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Roy Jay Holden
(1870-1945)
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. Marker 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.
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); William Addison Caldwell (about 500 feet away); John William Hancock Jr. (about 500 feet away); Paul Ernest Torgersen (about 500 feet away); Virginia Tech War Memorial Chapel (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Blacksburg.
Also see . . . Holden Hall. Virginia Tech (Submitted on June 1, 2011.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 752 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 1, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.