Founding of the Virginia Military Institute

Background. In 1834, the Franklin Society debated establishing a military school near Lexington. They unanimously concluded it would be politic to create such an institution on the plan of West Point Academy. This local literary society's decision initiated the process that led to legislative action in the following years.

Legislative Authorization. Following a public relations campaign involving Preston, the Virginia legislature passed a bill in 1836 authorizing the creation of a school at the Lexington arsenal. The Governor signed the measure into law. The board delegated the naming task to Preston, who created the name Virginia Military Institute, establishing the legal framework for the institution's future operations.

Separation from Washington College. From 1836 to 1839, the institution functioned as a department of Washington College. Funding by the Virginia Society of the Cincinnati enabled the school to formally separate from Washington College on November 11, 1839. Despite this separation, an agreement allowed the school to continue providing services to Washington College students for the next six years.

Early Operations. Practical military training began in the spring of 1840. In 1839, Private John Strange became the first cadet to march a sentinel post. Since November 11, 1839, sentinels have been posted every hour of every day of the school year, marking the beginning of the institute's continuous military tradition and guard duties.