Did you know the Virginia Military Institute was founded on this date in 1839?

Of course. Who doesn't know that?

VMI was founded as a public military school. Part of the Keydets' duties was to guard the state arsenal there in Lexington. First Cadet to take up guard duty was Cadet John B. Strange. He was a farm boy from Fluvanna County. He was killed in action while leading the 19th Virginia Infantry as a CSA Colonel at the Battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam ). Pretty intered man....

To include notable alumni such as Fred Willard (actor and comedian) Reggie Williams (NBA).