The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a nationally significant public military college located in Lexington, Virginia, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Founded in 1839, VMI holds the distinction of being the first state-supported military college in the United States and the second governmental military academy, following the United States Military Academy at West Point (founded in 1802). Its founding expanded higher-education opportunities beyond the traditional elite, particularly in the South.
VMI is deeply connected to American Civil War history. Notable historical figures Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson and John McCausland served as instructors during John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859, after which VMI cadets were called upon to provide security during Brown’s execution in Charles Town. During the Civil War, approximately 1,800 VMI alumni served, including 19 in the U.S. Army, and roughly 250 were killed in action.
VMI cadets are especially remembered for their role in the Battle of New Market (May 15, 1864), where they fought in active combat, contributing to a Confederate victory. Later that year, Union General David Hunter ordered the VMI campus burned, forcing cadets to relocate to Richmond, where they helped defend the Confederate capital.
Today, the 200-acre VMI campus is a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and visitors to Lexington. Guests are welcome to walk the grounds, explore the historic Upper Barracks, read interpretive plaques, visit the VMI Museum and gift shop, and view athletic fields and memorials throughout the campus.
Visitor tips:
Visit on Matriculation Day to experience VMI’s traditions and pageantry—many say it feels like a scene from An Officer and a Gentleman.
Pair your visit with time in downtown Lexington, just steps away, for shopping, cafés, and restaurants.
Explore nearby Washington and Lee University (W&L), located adjacent to VMI.
Virginia is a Purple Heart State, and VMI is one of only four colleges or universities in Virginia designated as a Purple Heart institution.
📍 Approximately a 25-minute drive from OBS
🔗 For more information, visit: https://www.vmi.edu/