AFROTC Detachment 890 was founded at the University of Virginia in 1951. Since then, Det. 890 has continued a tradition of excellence by commissioning outstanding officers and winning many national, state, and individual awards. The Cadet Corps has been presented with the Virginia Air Force Association Award for excellence two times and won the Southeast Region Outstanding AFROTC Unit Award.

Additionally, cadets and staff have distinguished themselves by winning awards such as: Southeast Region Commandant of Cadets of the Year, Southeast Region Education Officer of the Year, The Armed Forces Communication & Electronics Association Honor Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, and Distinguished Graduate from Field Training.

Varsity Hall
From 1951 to spring 2004, historic Varsity Hall served as the Detachment's headquarters and classrooms. The building is one of the oldest on Grounds. It was built as the University's infirmary in 1858 and used as a hospital during the Civil War. In fall 2004, the entire building was moved a few hundred feet by Expert House movers, the same firm that moved the Cape Hatteras lighthouse in 1999. The entire process was documented in a Discovery Channel special. To allow the University to perform the move and make restorations, the Detachment's facilities moved to the Astronomy Building, located on the corner of McCormick and Alderman Roads. Unofficially named "Varstronomy" by the cadets, the Astronomy Building now serves as the new headquarters and classrooms for Detachment 890.