Longwood University is an appropriate setting for a political debate. The school has connections to American history.

ABC in Virginia reports.

Longwood University prepares for only Vice Presidential debate of 2016

Preparations are underway for the only Vice-Presidential debate between Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican Mike Pence. Longwood University will host the historic event on October 4th.

School leaders said they received word about hosting the debate last September. Since then, they’ve made upgrades to the entrance and other areas. Located near downtown Farmville, Longwood University has a rich history dating back to 1839.

“The Civil War drew to a close along the north end of campus and poetically the Civil Rights movement began at the south end of campus with the 1951 strike at Moton High School which lead to Brown vs Board of Education Supreme Court decision,” said Taylor Reveley IV, Longwood University President.

This fall the school will join a unique group of Virginia campuses when it hosts the national debate.

“In “76” William and Mary hosted a debate between Carter and Ford then in 1992 the University of Richmond hosted a debate between Ross Perot and George Bush Senior and for us to be on that tradition is special,” he said.

President Reveley said he was surprised when the call came confirmed that the school would host the debate. Since then, they’ve been busy preparing campus by making upgrades to the entrance and other facilities. School leaders said many of the changes were planned before the debate announcement came nut now crews hope to finish ahead of schedule.