VMI Archives
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Virginia Military Institute (VMI) has a wide variety of statues and monuments on post. Explore these below.
Location: In front of Old Barracks
Description: This custom-designed battery was cast at the Cyrus Alger Foundry in Boston, Massachusetts and arrived at VMI on June 6, 1848. From 1851 until the beginning of the Civil War, the guns were commanded by Major Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, VMI's professor of Natural Philosophy and Artillery Tactics. During the War the guns were used by several units, including the famed Rockbridge Artillery under the command of William Pendleton. It was Pendleton, an Episcopal minister, who named the four cannons Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Location: Across from the Washington Arch entrance to barracks
Description: Dedicated on July 3, 1856, this bronze was cast by Virginia artist William James Hubard and is a replica of Jean Antoine Houdon's original marble. In 1864, the statue was confiscated by Union troops as a trophy of war but was returned and rededicated in 1866.
Location: Along the parapet wall opposite the Washington Arch of barracks
Description: There are eight cannons along the parapet wall. Six are original 17th century French bronze guns. Two are 12-pound cannons from the Letcher Artillery. Their tubes were cast at Tredegar Foundry in Richmond, Virginia from bronze salvaged from the melting down of Revolutionary War era French cannon. The Letcher Artillery cannons were presented to VMI in 1863.
Location: In front of the Nichols Engineering building
Description: This statue, officially named “Virginia Mourning Her Dead,” was created by sculptor Moses J. Ezekiel to honor the VMI cadets who fought at The Battle of New Market. Ezekiel was a member of the Class of 1866 and a New Market cadet.
Location: In front of Cocke Hall
Description: The Memorial Garden was designed by landscape architect Ferruccio Vitale. The Garden features plaques that honor VMI Alumni who were killed in action.
Location: The statue was originally near the New Market monument but now resides in front of Smith Hall, VMI's administration building.
Description: This is a bronze statue created by Ferrucio Legnaioli depicts VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith. Smith is known as the "builder and rebuilder" of VMI.
Location: Memorial Garden
Description: This statue created by Attilio Piccirelli and titled "Spirit of Youth," was a gift from Anne Cocke, the wife of VMI's 4th Superintendent, William H. Cocke. In 2016, a memorial arch was added opposite the “Spirit of Youth.”
Location: Near the Marshall Arch section of barracks
Description: This bronze statue of George C. Marshall (Class of 1901) was created by Augusto Bozzano and dedicated on VMI's Founders Day 1978.
Location: In front of Preston Library
Description: This monument honors the concept of the citizen-soldier. It includes the names of recipients of the Cincinnati Medal, awarded to the graduating cadet who "has demonstrated to the greatest degree excellence of character and efficient of service."
Location: X
Description: This monument honors recipients of the First Jackson-Hope Medal and the Second Jackson-Hope Medal, awarded to the two most academically distinguished cadets in each graduating class since 1876.
Location: Between Old Barracks and Shell Hall
Description: The arch and courtyard honor Jonathan M. Daniels, valedictorian of the Class of 1961. Daniels was actively involved in the Civil Rights movement and traveled to Alabama to assist with voter registration efforts in the South. He was shot and killed in Hayneville, Alabama in August 1965.