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This collection includes early Washington and Lee University papers and miscellaneous materials supplementary to the university's trustee's records, faculty meeting minutes, and treaurer's records. Much of this collection was found over decades from various locations on campus and housed in the Treasurer's Office.

The Alexander Lockhart Nelson Papers consist of materials related to Nelson's life as mathematician at Washington and Lee University; Nelson, Guy, Matthews, Archer, and Rennick family genealogy; an address by Nelson on his teaching experience during Robert E. Lee's presidency of Washington College; some family and miscellaneous correspondences; and photographs. Included and, perhaps, the primary aspect of the collection is Nelson's notebook used during his time as both student and professor of mathematics during the mid through late 19th century. The notebook also contains a range of content unrelated to his career as mathematician such as an extensive family tree, a journal/day book which includes details about weather from December 1880 through March 1881 in Lexington, Va.; a pencil drawing of his property and its improvements in downtown Lexington; and notes about payments made to a hired laborer for his Lexington home and grounds. There is an albumen photograph of a group of young girls of the Ann Smith Academy in Lexington – including an image of Nelson's daughter Evelyn. The collection is in two series – each formerly a unique accession from unique sources and different dates. The collections have recently been combined. Each series includes a control folder explaining its provenance. Series two includes a letter from WLU student Jack C. Desha in 1871 to his father Lucius Desha of Kentucky. In the letter Jack shares his travel experiences from Cincinnatti, Ohio to Lexington, Va., including an overnight visit in Washington DC. Series two also includes student Randolph Preston's (WLU class of 1902)typescript reminiscence of his Washington and Lee University student experience fifty years earlier.

The Board of Trustees records contain minutes, agendas, correspondence, reports, subject files, committee files, recommendations, resolutions, and the oath book.

This collection contains a certificate of distinction for proficiency in the study of English awarded to G. C. Lane by Washington and Lee University on June 27, 1877.

This collection includes secretary's books, treasurer's book, librarian's book, treasurer's books, librarian's books, roll books, and constitutions of the Graham Philanthropic Society. The secretary's books document the minutes of the meetings. The first volume in the collection includes the creating documents when the Society was founded in 1809. The books include accounts of debates on current political and social questions, financial information, membership information, and records of student library use.

This collection contains individual biographical files for all 19th and early 20th century cadets; and historical faculty/staff, Board of Visitors members, and other people associated with VMI history.

This collection contains a certificate of distinction in the study of French awarded to H. K. McCay by Washington and Lee University on June 27, 1877.

This scrapbook was compiled by Jacob Fuller while serving as Secretary to the Washington and Lee University Board of Trustees. He chose original university records, such as evidence of early fundraising and the university's relationship with the Society of the Cincinnati, and other items he felt belonged together in this scrapbook. Most of the items were removed from the Board of Trustees records by Fuller.

This collection contains a certificate awarded to James T. Campbell by Washington and Lee University for proficiency in mathematics on June 27, 1877.

This collection contains eight letters to Campbell, a notebook on Campbell's geological observations, and miscellaneous papers and clippings. Geology, mineral specimens, museums, and a meteor that fell in Virginia in 1877 constitute the primary subject matter of the collection. One letter dated November 17, 1883 is from John S. F. Batchen and Co., Cut Stone Contractors out of Chicago. The letter refers to the "first speciments for the Collection of Building and Ornamental Rocks for Washington and Lee." There is also correspondence from Henry Ward of Rochester, NY.