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The annual reports of the Superintendent contain a detailed account of the activities for each academic year. The 19th century through mid-20th century reports are an excellent primary source for exploring the administrative and academic history of the Institute. In addition to annual reports, special reports were occasionally issued to provide details about specific topics; and "semi-annual" reports were published during parts of the 19th century to provide the results of mid-year examinations and other mid-year updates.

This sub-group includes the following documents: Manuscript, appointment of the first VMI Board, 1839; James McDowell appointment, 1839; Alfred Leyburn, 1843; William B. Taliaferro, 1852; Arthur C. Cummings, 1866; Martin B. Wood, 1882; Alexander F. (Alex) Ryland

This sub-group includes incoming and outgoing correspondence of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors or correspondence related to BOV business. Includes correspondence files for some historical individual members of the Board.

Includes Ledgers, vouchers, accounts, correspondence, and other financial records dating from the opening days of the Institute through the early 20th century. These records are a good source of information for tracing early purchases of goods and services; local Lexington and Rockbridge County businesses/artisans/craftsmen appear in vouchers.

Correspondence, 1840-1918, originating in the Superintendent's office, unrelated to any other records series. Primarily about purchases and business transactions, and miscellaneous file.

These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.

A topical and chronological file of pamplets containing the text of speeches and addresses delivered at VMI.

The Order Books contain official orders and notices concerning the military regulations and operations, as well as the academic administration of the Institute. The definitions of Orders, Special Orders, and Memoranda overlap and vary over time.

Scrapbooks of newspaper clippings providing a chronological view of VMI activities, events. Categories include general topics; sports, and special topics. From the 1950's forward these were compiled by the Public Relations staff; prior to that date they originated with various other employees, including the Librarian Nellie Gibbs. The Gibbs sometimes contain photographs pasted to pages.