Even before the first central office was organized in Indianapolis, many dreamt of the day when Sigma Nu would have an appropriate shrine at our birthplace. In 1954, a headquarters committee was appointed to investigate relocation options, and three years later the High Council purchased property and a large home in Lexington from the family of General Frances H. Smith, first superintendent of VMI, who inspired Hopkins in the founding of Sigma Nu.

After 50 years in Lexington, our Headquarters Shrine and related facilities now occupy almost 12 acres. Each year more than 2,000 visitors make a pilgrimage to The Rock. When ownership of the property was transferred to the Educational Foundation in 1993, alumni gifts could be utilized for restoration and preservation of the property, relieving future generations of collegians from the financial burden of upkeep.

An investment in the preservation of this historic site is an important component of the Building Upon the Rock—Preserving Our Future Campaign. Providing for the maintenance, repair, and capital improvements of our Headquarters facilities and grounds will help ensure that visitors in years to come will continue to experience the rich history of our great Fraternity.

Headquarters Timeline

	1957		Restoration of the Livingston Smith House began. Milton L. Grigg, a renowned Virginia architect and participant in the famous Williamsburg Restoration, oversaw the project.
	1958		Restoration of the building completed and the Headquarters facility occupied at 9 Lewis Street, overlooking VMI and W&L University.
	1959		A large fragment of the limestone outcropping on which our three Founders stood and clasped hands was excavated from the VMI Parade Grounds. This fragment was then moved to a prominent location in front of our new Headquarters.
	1960		June 9th - The official dedication of the Headquarters Shrine.
	1968		Construction began on the curved wings of the Headquarters Shrine. In 1969, construction was complete. Under the leadership of Regent Herman B Wells (Indiana), these wings were publicly dedicated at the 1969 College of Chapters.
	1969		Centennial Convocation and two new wings of the Headquarters building dedicated for the Sigma Nu Museum and Honor Library.
	1970		Headquarters Shrine expansion resulting from the purchase of the adjacent property and a building, now known as the Educational Center.
	1993		Transfer of ownership of the Headquarters Shrine to the Educational Foundation.
	1996		Wing of Service, which houses administrative office space and the mailroom, added to the Headquarters building and paid for by the Steen family.
	2004		Memorial Flag Pavilion publicly dedicated to honor all Brothers who have served in any branch of the United States Armed Services.
	2005		Mortgage paid in full on the Headquarters Shrine.
	2008		First $14 million capital campaign.