Collections : [Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library]

Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Special Collections and Archives
James G. Leyburn Library
Washington and Lee University
204 W. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Primary Collecting Areas:
American and Virginia history, regional genealogy, history of propaganda, Southern literature, theater, local and regional portraiture, landscapes and architecture, late 19th-century travel
Description:

The Washington and Lee University Special Collections and Archives Department houses over 1,000 unique manuscript collections including those of the Rockbridge Historical Society, The American Shakespeare Center, and the Mountain Valley Preservation Association. These collections vary greatly in size, format, and scope. Subjects covered within the collections are diverse and include concentrations in American and Virginia history, regional genealogy, history of propaganda, Southern literature, and theater.

It also houses over 10,000 photographs and prints. Beyond our photograph and print collections, which include scrapbooks, images can also be found within the manuscript collections and University Archives described above. Our photographic holdings vary greatly in size and include numerous formats representative of the evolution of the photographic process. Strengths are local and regional portraiture, landscapes and architecture, W&L University history, including athletics, and late 19th-century travel.

POC: SCA Staff
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Start Over Repository Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library Date range 1858

Davidson Family Papers, 1830/1915 0.5 Linear Feet

Davidson, James D. (James Dorman)

This collection consists of papers of Lexington, Virginia lawyer James D. Davidson and his daughter Mary Davidson and includes some correspondence, manuscript and printed poems of James D.Davidson, clippings, and some miscellaneaous papers from the family. James Davidson's printed and handwritten writings in the collection were compiled for his book "A Curiosity in the Chancery and Rhyme and Prose," (N.D., but likely 1876-81). The collection contains detailed genealogy of the Davidson, Greenlee, and McDowell families of Virginia and Kentucky. Other highlights are a typescript paper presented in 1915 by Greenlee Davidson Letcher to the Fortnightly Club of Lexington (Va.) on the life of Capatian Greenlee Davidson, son of James D. Davidson, who died fighting for the Confederacy during the American Civil War, a fragment of a handwritten 19th century recipe book, a small pen and ink drawing on Washington College stationary of the Virginia patriotic doodles and quotations, and a carte de visite photograph of the steamship "City of New York".

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Dillon Family Papers, 1805/1944 3 Linear Feet

Dillon, Alexander S.

This collection contains the family and personal correspondence (1806-1897), business correspondence, deeds, legal papers, account books (1849-1862) of Dr. Alexander S. Dillon (1813-1870), and family Bible along with ledgers and employee time books of various Dillon limestone companies, especially Edward Dillon and Co. in Botetourt County. Correspondents include Dr. Alexander S. Dillon (1813-1870), Edward Dillon (1835-1897), Edward Davis Dillon (1766-1818), Fanny Polk Dillon, and Patrick Henry Dillon (1804-1862).

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Documents concerning the dismissal of students, 1858 Box 12, Folder 2

Professors John L. Campbell, Sr. and Junius Fishburn discovered three intoxicated students: W. W. Houston, R. K. Estill, and W. M. Brown. The faculty voted to dismiss them from Washington College. The student body petitioned for their co-horts to be reinstated but were denied. They burned in effigy both professors. In addition to the petition, the folder includes a printed description of events dated March 15 as well as two documents of apology issued to the faculty by offending students. The printed description says there were two intoxicated students but the petition lists the three above.

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
  2. Administration records collection, 1776/1976
  3. Students Series

Dr. William S. Plumer manuscripts, 1841/1867 0.01 Linear Feet 1 folder

Plumer, William S. (William Swan), 1802-1880

This collection consists of two manuscripts written by Dr. William S. Plumer. The earliest is titled "Our Country" and was an address presented before the Washington College alumni in June 1841. The manuscript includes his edits and notes. The second one was written in June 1867 and was also presented before the alumni of Washington College about the study of ancient languages. It is also includes edits and notes.

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

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