Commonly called just “Virginia Tech,” the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is located on 2,600 acres in Blacksburg, VA and contains 125 buildings. It was founded in 1872 as a public grant college and has worked its way up to be one of the top public universities in the United States.

Virginia Tech "Hokie" stone building

The campus is beautiful, the buildings being built of “Hokie Stone.” It is official University policy that buildings must incorporate the use of this stone in their construction. “Hokie Stone” is a native limestone that is quarried from a university owned site. One of the most beautiful structures on campus that illustrates the use of this stone is the Torgersen Hall Bridge over the Alumni Mall. To drive through the campus of tree-lined streets and park-like settings is a sight-seeing tour in itself, passing the popular “duck pond,” Newman Library and the drill field

Torgerson Hall Bridge over Alumni Mall

The War Memorial Chapel is located on Drill Drive and is a tribute from alumni and friends to the sons of Virginia Tech who made the ultimate sacrifice in our Nation’s Wars. It is dedicated to those who gave their all; yet designed to inspire the living. It is open 18 hours a day for anyone who wishes to use it.

Another "Hokie" Stone Building

The Hahn Horticulture Gardens is located on campus and is open daily with no charge. All features have been built or planted by students and faculty and features a dwarf conifer display, steam garden with different species of bog and aquatic plants, a wisteria garden, along with other beautiful settings and areas.

The school mascot is the Hokie Bird, which started out to be a gobbler, but was changed to the fictional Hokie Bird, derived from a spirit yell originated in 1896. This spirit yell is still used today. The stylized VT is used mainly by the athletic department as a symbol for Virginia Tech athletic teams.

The Corps of Cadets is a big part of campus life. When the University was opened, all students were cadets, but it is now voluntary. The ROTC is part of the Corps, as is the school band. The Cadets high-light the colors during pre-game activities of every football game and they make trips to dedications of note throughout the United States. Members of the Corps have served in every war in which the United States has participated.

Not only is it a beautiful campus, but Virginia Tech is rated 71st among national universities and 29th in public universities. The traditions are strong and loyal.

Come back Monday for more on Richmond, VA battlefields