On October 1, 1872, Addison “Add” Caldwell walked 26 miles from Craig County to enroll as the first student at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. Ever since then, Virginia Tech has been fulfilling its role as a leading land-grant university. The tiny college, originally housed in the old Olin and Preston Institute near what is now Alumni Mall, has grown into a world-class university.

Discover Virginia Tech’s rich history and traditions through our heritage as a leading university from 1872 to the present.

Enter Sandman

The most electrifying entrance in college football, watch Tech’s football staff and players explain how they still get goosebumps every time.

Three-Day Weekend at Virginia Tech

Get a pulse on what it’s like being in Blacksburg for a weekend, with ACC Network’s Jess Roy checking out some of the best places around.

ACC Traditions – Skipper

Take an in-depth look at how the tradition of the Corps of Cadets firing off a cannon at Virginia Tech football games came to be.