Virginia State University
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Location
Ettrick, near Petersburg, Virginia
Founded
1882
Campus tours
By advance registration; confirm current availability
Official map
Campus map and directions
Virginia State University sits in Ettrick, on a bluff above the Appomattox River across from Petersburg. Founded in 1882 as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, it is a public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and one of Virginia’s two land-grant institutions. The campus’s setting and long history make it a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in Black education, Virginia history, and the story of a university that has grown alongside the region. [1][2]
This is an active university, not a conventional museum with general admission. Visitors can explore by arranging an official campus tour or using the university’s campus map to plan their route. Tour schedules, parking requirements, and access to individual buildings can change, so check with VSU before setting out. [3][4]
Plan a trip to Virginia State University
Why visit Virginia State University?
VSU offers a chance to experience a working university whose story is closely tied to the expansion of higher education for African Americans in Virginia. Its history stretches from the school’s 1882 charter through changes in name and mission, the development of its land-grant program, and its present-day role as an HBCU. The university’s position above the Appomattox River also gives a visit a strong sense of place, with Petersburg just across the river. [5]
Rather than treating the campus as a collection of public attractions, plan to learn about it through the university’s history and an organized visit. A guided walking tour, when available, can add context about campus landmarks and student life; a self-guided visit is best planned around the current map and visitor instructions.
Start here
Begin with VSU’s official tour information. The university’s Welcome Center is the starting point for its scheduled campus tours, which are led by student ambassadors; check the booking page for current tour days, times, registration guidance, and meeting instructions before traveling. [6]
If you are visiting independently, look over the official campus map and directions first. The map can help orient you to campus roads, parking areas, and visitor facilities. Do not assume that buildings are open to casual visitors; confirm access with the university. [7]
What to see and do
Pair a campus visit with time in Petersburg, the city across the Appomattox River. Its history and landmarks add regional context to VSU’s location in Ettrick.
For a broader look at African American history and culture in the Commonwealth, add this Richmond museum to a separate regional itinerary.
Explore another Southside Virginia institution connected to the history of Black education, community, and leadership.
Across the river in Petersburg, this historic community offers another perspective on the area’s African American history. Check local visitor information before planning a stop.
History and significance
Virginia’s General Assembly chartered the institution on March 6, 1882, as the Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute. The bill was sponsored by Alfred W. Harris, a Black attorney and legislator whose offices were in Petersburg. A lawsuit delayed the school’s opening until October 1, 1883. In its first academic year, the institution had 126 students, seven faculty members, one building, and a 33-acre campus. [8]
The school’s names changed as its programs and role developed. It became Virginia Normal and Industrial Institute in 1902; its college program was restored in 1923, and it was renamed Virginia State College for Negroes in 1930. The land-grant program for Black students transferred there from Hampton Institute in 1920. The institution became Virginia State College in 1946 and Virginia State University in 1979. Its history reflects both the barriers Black students faced and the institutions built to expand educational opportunity. [9]
The campus continues to change. In 2025, VSU opened the Alfred W. Harris Academic Commons, named for the founder whose legislative work helped establish the university. The campus is part of a continuing institution, so older building names or descriptions may not match current signage and use; consult VSU’s current information when planning a visit. [10][11]
Planning a visit
- Tours: VSU provides campus tours through its Welcome Center. Tour availability and scheduling instructions can vary; consult the university’s tour page and make arrangements before traveling. [12]
- Getting there: The university’s directions page places the campus about 20 miles south of Richmond via I-95 and provides route guidance for several approaches. Check the current campus map before departure. [13]
- Parking: University parking rules require visitors to obtain a temporary parking pass from VSU Police and direct visitors to designated visitor parking. Procedures and lot designations may change, so confirm current instructions before arriving. [14]
- Accessibility and campus layout: Review the official campus map for routes, parking, and listed visitor facilities. Contact the university ahead of time with questions about access or accommodations. [15]
- Before you go: Campus events, academic activity, and building access can affect the visit. Confirm tour arrangements, parking, and any specific destination directly with VSU.
Nearby attractions
Petersburg
Explore the city across the Appomattox River, with historic sites and visitor services.
Pocahontas Island
A historic Petersburg-area community with a distinct place in the region’s African American history.
James Solomon Russell–Saint Paul's College Museum and Archives
A Southside Virginia museum and archive connected to Black education and community history.
Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon
References
- ↑ History of VSU, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ About VSU, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Schedule Your Tour, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Campus Maps and Directions, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ History of VSU, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Schedule Your Tour, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Campus Maps and Directions, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ History of VSU, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ History of VSU, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ History of VSU, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Building Managers, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Schedule Your Tour, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Campus Maps and Directions, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ VSU Parking Policy, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Campus Maps and Directions, Virginia State University. Retrieved 2026-10-24.