About

Two generations after Lexington and Rockbridge County were established during the Revolutionary War, Virginia Military Institute was established in 1839 as an arsenal on Virginia's western frontier, and an educational center for young cadets training for the Virginia Militia. Burned by the Union forces under Gen. David Hunter during the invasion of Lexington and Confederate retreat in 1864, the Gothic, fortress-like features of its barracks and classroom spaces are also flanked by a statue of George Washington returned by the Union Army, the VMI Museum, and the George C. Marshall Foundation and Museum, established in 1964. Notable VMI faculty have included J.T.L. Preston and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson, with graduates serving in every military campaign since VMI opened, and since the U.S. Supreme Court required it to co-educate in 1997). Its ranks of former students include iconic American military leaders such as George Marshall, George Patton; four Civil War cannons named for Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; two Virginia Governors and many more U.S. Congressmen ... as well as Mel Brooks!