Virginia Humanities Conference
April 30-May 1, 2016
Virginia Military Institute,
Lexington, Virginia
Historical Development of VMI
Before its formation as an institution of higher education in 1839, VMI’s site was occupied by an arsenal, one of three in the State of Virginia.
In 1834, several of Lexington’s leading citizens, including attorney John Thomas Lewis Preston, proposed that the arsenal be transformed into a military college so the cadets could pursue educational courses while protecting the stand of arms.
The plan led to legislation establishing the Virginia Military Institute. It was Preston, generally credited for conceiving the idea of VMI, and later one of the original members of the faculty, who gave the new institution its name: “Virginia—a State institution, neither sectional nor denominational. Military—its characteristic feature. Institute—something different from either college or university. The three elements thus indicated are the basis of a triangular pyramid, of which the sides will preserve their mutual relation to whatever height the structure may rise.”
Virginia Military Institute operates under the philosophy that the measure of a college lies in the quality and performance of its graduates and their contributions to society.
Therefore, it is the mission of those at Virginia Military Institute to develop educated, honorable men and women, prepared for the varied work of civil life, imbued with love of learning, confident in the functions and attitudes of leadership, possessing a high sense of public service, advocates of the American democracy and free enterprise system, and ready as citizen-soldiers to defend their country in time of national peril.
Directions & Map to Lexingtonand VMI
VMI is located in historic Lexington, Virginia which is situated at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley. I-81 passes within just a few miles of Lexington.
TravelingNorth on I-81, exit at 188-B.
Take exit 188-B (60 West) and proceed to Lexington (a couple of miles). Turn right on Main St (which is one way north at this point). Immediately move into the left lane. After 2 blocks you will be forced to turn left onto Jefferson St (one way south). Immediately move into the right lane and then turn right onto Letcher Avenue. Proceed on Letcher until you enter VMI.
Traveling South on I-81, exit at 195.
Take exit 195 and turn right at the end of the exit ramp (11 South). Proceed south on 11 to Lexington (about 5 miles). Follow the signs to downtown Lexington (11 business . . . Main Street). Main Street will split and become Jefferson Street (one way south). Immediately turn right onto Letcher Avenue. Proceed on Letcher until you enter VMI.
Lexington has several hotels from which to choose for your stay with us. Downtown locations include the R.E. Lee Hotel, Sheridan Livery Inn, The Georges, and the Hampton Inn Colo Alto. Additional fascilities are located five minutes drive away from the Institute at the junction of I-64 and US-11.
The VHC Conference will take place in the George C. Marshall Center for Leadership and Ethics. Please refer to the Post Map provided under Visitor Information on the Institute’s website at www.vmi.edu . We look forward to seeing you all there.