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 1861

Francis Wilkinson Pickens collection, 1826/1865 2.01 Linear Feet 1 folder, 1 oversize folder

Pickens, F. W. (Francis Wilkinson)

This collection contains letters from Francis Wilkinson Pickens to various correspondents, including John C. Calhoun and Thomas Green Clemson. A letter dated Sept. 29, 1845 to John C. Calhoun urges the latter to be a candidate for the U. S. Senate. There are three letters to Pickens' wife. In addition, the collection includes a legal document pertaining to John Forsyth of Georgia dated 1826, most of which is in French, as well as a free order of passage document given to Pickens to visit Poland, Germany, Switzerland, France, and England dated 1860. This document is in multiple languages.

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Franklin Society records, 1801/1891 2 Linear Feet

Franklin Society and Library Company of Lexington (Lexington, Va.)

This collection includes membership records, officers' reports, business papers, subscription library records, minutes of the Society's meetings and debates, receipts and letters expressing pleasure at being honored by the Society. One receipt, dated December 2, 1841, was given by Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson while he was a Virginia constable. The receipt was presented to the Franklin Society [Library] by M. W. Johnson.

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

Friendship album, 1846/1883 0.01 Linear Feet 1 folder

This collection contains a friendship album presented to Miss Margaret Dixon by her friend Samuel M. Templeton, Lexington, October 26, 1846 as written on the first page. There's another handwritten note on the back of the front board that says "Presented to Miss Margaret Dixon by Samuel M. Templeton Lexington, Va. Oct. 22nd 1846." The album was presented to her friends and family to write something to her on an individual page. Some are notes specific to her. Others are poems. Most are signed, initialed, and/or dated.

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library

General, 1742/1880 RHS Collection #0077, Folder 1

This file contains a notebook with information about the Memoranda detailing the title to the Douthat Society, also includes noterized receipt for real estate sale from John and Margaret Delaaney. Also contains document noting the sale of 100 acres in Rockbridge County to the Walker family.

  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
  2. Legal Documents, 1742/1895

"Gen. Lee's Grand March", 1861/1865

[7045] Gen. Lee's grand march; composed by Herman L. Schreiner. Macon, John C. Schreiner & Son. [etc., etc., 186_.] 5 p. At head of title; To General Robert E. Lee, commander-in-chief of the Army of the Confederate States. Printer: J.F. Weeks. Catalogue on verso of GEU, GHi, GU, MBAt, MH, MdBJ, NN, NcD, THaroL, TxHR, Vi, ViHi, ViRC, ViRU
  1. Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
  2. American Civil War collection, 1860/1895
  3. Sheet Music in Oversize, 1861/1866

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Finding aids may contain historical terms and phrases, reflecting the shared attitudes and values of the community from which they were collected, but are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical or mental ability; religion; sex; and sexual orientation and gender identity.

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