HAMPTON, Va. — The smoke coming from Hampton University's administration building could be seen for miles, following a devastating two-alarm fire on Monday.
The building has extensive fire and water damage throughout the entire building, according to Battalion Chief Anthony Chittum, who said it could take weeks for investigators to determine what caused the fire.
It is an incredible loss to those who cherish not only the university but also its history.
Veronica Alease Davis is the author of "Hampton University," a book dedicated to telling both the stories of the school and its history. She believes the fire might have destroyed at least parts of the original structure of the building.
"I could not believe what I was hearing, I was so hurt," Davis said. "It felt like my heart had dropped."
According to Davis, the building was originally built in 1882 and was known as the Marshall Building. It has since undergone several renovations but housed the principal's office, the treasurer's office, and several classrooms.
The original building was also built entirely by the hands of previous Hampton University students.
"All aspects of that building are one of a kind and so, I would just hate to hear that they have to demolish any portion of the back of the building," Davis said.
Hampton University President Darrell Williams held a town hall meeting with all students and staff the day after the fire. One student told 13News Now that the president believes several artifacts could have been lost.
"He did say that a few of them were damaged and some of them might be from the museum and right now they are trying to figure out what they are going to do with the people who are in that building," Logan Russell, a second year at Hampton University, said.
A spokesperson with Hampton University said no one was injured during the fire, and a plan is underway for staff members to continue to meet who once used the administration building.
There are now four major recorded fires at Hampton University in its extensive history. Students told 13News Now they know their school will overcome this latest loss.
Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams said at a town hall Tuesday that he is proud of how the university responded to the fire.
“As president, I was very proud of the way the Hampton family responded when one portion of the campus was experiencing a bit of a crisis. So for all of that, I say, ‘thank you,’” said Williams. “We will work diligently to restore our beloved A Building and we encourage our Hampton family to continue to support each other as only Hamptonians know how to do. Go Pirates."