Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation

MSS 16240, William Wade Townes racing archive, Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased from Aiglatson by the Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia on October 14, 2016.

Biographical / Historical

William Wade Townes, owner of Occoneechee Plantation with over 3,000 acres and 160 slaves, was a breeder of thoroughbred race horses in Virginia in the 1830's.

Scope and Contents

William Wade Townes racing archive, 1827-1840, 0.03 cubic feet, contains information about breeding and racing thoroughbreds in Virginia including Bay mare by Director "now in foal by the celebrated race horse Stallion Arab," monies collected from 26 breeders for services of Stallion Timoleon, known as the Pride of Virginia, agreement between Townes and 5 co-partners to go to England to buy two thoroughbred stallions, and breeding agreements including Townes' horse McDuff and mare Fanny, sending his stallion Black Prince to stand in Georgia.