Virginia Military Institute Records, 1837-1884

Access and use

Location of collection:
Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia
800 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Archives Reference Services
Phone: (804) 692-3888
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions.

Preferred citation:

Virginia Military Institute Records, 1837-1884. Accession APA 124, State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
.25 cf (5 in.)
Creator:
Auditor of Public Accounts
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Virginia Military Institute Records, 1837-1884. Accession APA 124, State government records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains correspondence, financial accounts, reports, extracts from minutes, and warrants for payment. Of particular interest is the Board of Visitors Annual Report from 1849. The report covers the expenses for the institution and its operations including food, weapons, instruction, buildings, and subsistence. It also details an investigation into a fire that occurred in March of that year and the fire and safety measures in place.

Biographical / historical:

On 22 March 1836 the General Assembly ordered that a military school be established at the Lexington Arsenal. The governor chose a board of visitors who annually audited the accounts of the school treasurer, inspected the condition of the school and the arms at the arsenal, and reported to the governor. When the student body grew to a sufficient size, they were formed into corps for the protection of the arsenal, and the public guard was disbanded. On 29 March 1839 the General Assembly passed an act naming the military school at Lexington the Virginia Military Institute. In subsequent acts the General Assembly appropriated funds to run the school and construct new buildings.

Acquisition information:
No acquisition information is available.
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged alphabetically by item.