Collections : [Virginia Military Institute Archives]

This colllection consists of certificates, citations, commissions, and similar documentation associated with VMI alumni, faculty, staff, or VMI as a whole. The collection does not include VMI diplomas or literary society certificates, which are filed separately.

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.

The Jennings C. Wise papers consist primarily of Jennings C. Wise's incoming and outgoing correspondence from the period 1910 to 1960. Included are letters dating from his years as Professor and Commandant of Cadets at VMI, from his practice of law, and from his retirement period in which he devoted himself primarily to writing. Wise was passionately interested in the history and future development of VMI and much of the correspondence reflects his ongoing involvement with the school. He often held controversial views and frequently expressed his dismay at what he perceived to be a lessening of military discipline at VMI. Other items in the papers include:

• Memoranda
• Editorials and articles written by Wise
• Circulars
• Notebooks
• Printed material
• A photograph album (1913-1914) documenting the retirement of the VMI Cadet Battery and the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of New Market, Virginia

The VMI Alumni Association is a private organization affiliated with VMI; the VMI Archives does not house the records of the Association. However, the Archives does preserve printed material, publications created by the Association, some Class reunion material, and related material (e.g. photograph collection from the office of the Alumni Review), and miscellaneous subject files on topics of general interest. This collection also includes some historical minutes of the Association.

The bulk of the Andrew C. L. Gatewood papers consist of 28 letters (dated 1860-1864) written by Gatewood to his parents and other family members. Early letters describe life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia, just prior to and during early months of the Civil War. Subsequent letters date from Gatewood's service with the 11th Virginia Cavalry Regiment, Company F (Bath Squadron), including a letter (dated September 1862) written after the Second Battle of Manassas (2nd Bull Run).

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.

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.

The Stonewall Jackson papers consist primarily of the personal papers of Civil War General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson (1824-1863). The bulk of the letters date from the pre-Civil War period and concern professional, personal, and domestic matters, including many in which Jackson writes about his religious faith, his concerns about health and diet, and his family.

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 consists of records of standing and ad hoc committees of the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors. Historical documents include ledger concerning bonds, correspondence, reports, members' travel expenses, and receipts for meeting expenses.