The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and
private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including
but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be
fully credited with the source.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for use.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Washington Literary Society Records (RG 39.0002), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn
Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.
According to a published historical sketch, the Washington Literary Society was founded in 1812 on the Washington Academy
campus (now Washington and Lee University). Its activities were likely interrupted or suspended due to the War of 1812. The
written records of the Society begin in February 1814. Its first officers were John Woods (President), John Stowe Jones (Secretary),
and Alfred McCay as Censor. The first question chosen to debate was whether it was advantageous for a young man to read ancient
history first or modern history first. The Society purchased and maintained a library for its membership.
Both the Washington Literary Society and the Graham Philanthropic Society helped to launch The Southern Collegian, and their respective editors served to co-edit this new publication.
This collection contains the records of the Washington Literary Society. It includes the Secretary's books (meeting minutes,
debate topics, membership rolls), treasurer's books, librarian's books, and roll books and membership registers. It also includes
record material associated with The Southern Collegian, including a record book and correspondence. The collection ranges in date from 1814-1918.
An undated documented (circa 1868) created by a committee of the Washington Literary Society outlines a proposal for a newspaper
in lieu of a magazine which was considered cost prohibitive. The name proposed for the newspaper was "Liberty Hall News.'
The second document dated October 16, 1868 documents a joint committee meeting between the Washington Literary and Graham
Philanthropic Societies to "decide upon the best method of conducting the College Paper."
