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William Addison Caldwell was born on January 10, 1856, in Sinking Creek, Craig County, Virginia, as the second child of George Charlton and Lorena Givens Caldwell, who had a long lineage in the area since the 1760s. The Caldwell family home was a two-story building at the base of Sinking Creek Mountain, where George Caldwell, a Confederate veteran, instilled the value of education in his children. Young Addison likely attended local schools or received education at home, eventually becoming aware of the newly established Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (V.A.M.C.) through newspaper advertisements by its founding president, Charles L.C. Minor. This early encouragement from his father paved the way for Addison's significant educational journey at V.A.M.C., where he endeavored to enroll as the first student.

The Caldwell March is an annual commemoration of Addison Caldwell's historic hike from his home in Craig County to Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (V.A.M.C.), where he enrolled as the institution's first student on October 1, 1872. Caldwell and his brother Milton hiked approximately 26 miles through rugged terrain to register at the college, representing determination and the founding spirit of Virginia Tech. Each year, new cadets from the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets reenact this hike in two segments during the academic year, integrating it into their training and fostering a sense of tradition and community among cadets. The spring segment of the march concludes with a celebration on campus, including performances by the Corps band, the Highty-Tighties, symbolizing the lasting legacy of Caldwell in Virginia Tech's history.

Addison Caldwell attended Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College from 1872 to 1876, graduating in 1876 and completing a three-year program in agriculture over four years. During his studies, he excelled in written composition, military tactics, and various agricultural disciplines. Caldwell was actively involved in the Maury Literary Society, which contributed to the foundation of the school's first publication, The Gray Jacket, in 1875. His academic prowess led to him being elected secretary of his class's alumni association upon graduation. His experience at V.A.M.C. not only established his foundational knowledge but also fostered a lifelong connection to the institution he helped inaugurate, creating a legacy that extends to current students and alumni.

Addison Caldwell's enrollment represents a pivotal moment in the establishment of higher education in Virginia, as he was the very first student to register at the newly founded Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College on October 1, 1872. This moment marked the beginning of the institution's journey towards becoming Virginia Tech, reflecting the aspirations of many in the region for educational opportunities in agriculture and engineering. Caldwell's commitment to pursuing education set a precedent for future generations and contributed significantly to the school’s legacy of innovation and academic achievement, which the university continues to uphold today.

Following his graduation from Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, Addison Caldwell began his career as a schoolteacher in Craig County before transitioning to a role as an office clerk at the Norfolk and Western Railway in Roanoke, Virginia, by 1887, where he became a well-known and respected employee. Later, in 1898, he moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, to work as a salesman for several prominent wholesale firms on the wharf, showcasing his adaptability and professional growth. Despite his personal entrepreneurial ventures, Caldwell maintained close ties to his family, visiting them during his summer breaks after they moved to Radford, Virginia.

Addison Caldwell faced significant health challenges in the years leading up to his death in 1910. Before this time, he underwent surgery for a brain tumor, which marked the beginning of his health decline. Following his recovery, he returned to Wilmington, North Carolina, on his doctor’s advice, as it was believed that the salt air would be beneficial for his health. On June 19, 1910, Caldwell fainted and suffered a head injury. Tragically, he passed away on June 29, 1910, at a hospital in Wilmington and was laid to rest in the Caldwell family cemetery in Radford, Virginia, on July 1, 1910, closing the chapter on a life that embodied the pioneering spirit of Virginia Tech.

Addison Caldwell's legacy is prominently commemorated at Virginia Tech through several memorials and traditions. The annual 'Caldwell March' represents the significant journey he undertook as the first student. In 2006, a life-sized statue named "Walking Toward the Light," sculpted by Lawrence Bechtel, was unveiled on campus to honor him and vividly depicts Caldwell during his pivotal 26-mile hike. Additionally, the Add Caldwell Lounge in the G. Burke Johnston Student Center and the historical marker installed in Craig County in 1997 ensure that his contributions to the university and education are not forgotten. Furthermore, Caldwell's personal bible was donated to Virginia Tech, and the library's e-catalog is aptly named 'Addison,' symbolizing his lasting impact at the institution.

Addison Caldwell's college experience at Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College was enriched by his involvement in literary societies. He joined the Maury Literary Society in 1872, which later branched into the Lee and Maury Literary Societies. These societies were crucial for fostering skills in writing, public speaking, and debate, shaping the intellectual life of students. In particular, they were instrumental in establishing the school's first publication, *The Gray Jacket*, in 1875, showcasing student work and encouraging literary expression. Caldwell's participation in these societies not only enhanced his academic life but also contributed to the development of a vibrant student culture at the fledgling institution.

Addison Caldwell grew up in a family with deep roots in Craig County, Virginia, where his ancestors had settled in the 1760s. The family faced economic challenges typical for rural farming communities during the 19th century, particularly after the Civil War, which affected many Southern families. Addison's father, George Caldwell, a Confederate veteran, strived for better educational opportunities for his children despite their limited financial means. Most likely, the family had to make sacrifices for Addison's education, signifying their belief in the importance of learning. This familial support played a crucial role in Caldwell's determination to enroll in the newly established agricultural and mechanical college.

In order to make their challenging hike to the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (V.A.M.C.), Addison Caldwell and his older brother, Mic, relied on their experience and familiarity with local trails. They devised a rough route through the mountainous terrain between their home in Craig County and Blacksburg, Virginia, taking advantage of shortcuts known to them. Their journey not only involved physical endurance but also required planning as they navigated the 26-mile trek. Equipped minimally, the brothers likely carried essential supplies for the challenging journey, underlining their commitment to securing education and the significant role their hike represented in their future as cadets.

Addison Caldwell's legacy is honored through several initiatives at Virginia Tech. One of the most prominent is the 'Caldwell March,' an annual hike by the Corps of Cadets that pays tribute to his original journey. Additionally, a life-size statue titled 'Walking Toward the Light,' sculpted by Lawrence Bechtel, was unveiled in 2006 on campus, depicting Caldwell during his hike. Another valuable memorial is the 'Add Caldwell Lounge' located in the G. Burke Johnston Student Center, which serves as a reminder of his contributions. The historical marker placed near his childhood home further cements his status as a local and academic hero, indicating that his spirit continues to inspire future generations of students.

After moving to Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1898, Addison Caldwell's career transitioned from education to sales. Here, he worked with several large wholesale firms, marking a significant shift from his earlier roles as a teacher and office clerk at the Norfolk and Western Railway. His ability to adapt in a new city highlighted his resilience and versatility. Caldwell's time in Wilmington allowed him to leverage his communication skills honed from his education and literary society participation, earning him recognition as a popular employee. His time away from family, who had relocated to Radford, Virginia, as well, reflects the broader trends of the time where individuals sought work opportunities outside their hometowns.