The Board of Visitors is the governing body of the Virginia Military Institute. The first meeting was held in May 1839, several
months before the first cadets matriculated.
This file 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