Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

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.

Acquisition Information

No acquisition information is available.

Biographical Information

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.

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.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically by item.