W&L HISTORY

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Following Washington

Join us month by month as we follow George Washington’s activities and campaigns exactly 250 years ago!

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Washington Responds to Retreat from Canada (June 1776)
Washington Responds to Retreat from Canada (June 1776)

In a letter to Brigadier-General Sullivan, Washington responds warmly to the retreat down to New York. He urges cautious friendship with the Canadians to aid the cause.

Washington Endorses the Virginia Resolution of 1776 (May 1776)
Washington Endorses the Virginia Resolution of 1776 (May 1776)

Washington shares his excitement about the Virginia Resolution of 1776 calling for independence, leading to the Lee Resolution and ultimately the Declaration of Independence. He stresses the importance of carefully forming the new government.

History Articles

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The Franklin Society
The Franklin Society

John W. Davis and the Steel Seizure Case
John W. Davis and the Steel Seizure Case
The Forgotten History of Traveller’s Bones
The Forgotten History of Traveller’s Bones
A Tribute to Robert E. Lee
A Tribute to Robert E. Lee

History Videos

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Debate & Democracy: The Franklin Society of Rockbridge
Debate & Democracy: The Franklin Society of Rockbridge
The Honor System on Life Support: An Alum Sounds the Alarm
The Honor System on Life Support: An Alum Sounds the Alarm
The Letter That Defined Robert E. Lee’s Final Chapter (1865)
The Letter That Defined Robert E. Lee’s Final Chapter (1865)
Who Was Cy Young — and Why Every W&L Athlete Should Know His Name
Who Was Cy Young — and Why Every W&L Athlete Should Know His Name
First in War, Forgotten by His Countrymen: Light Horse Harry Lee
First in War, Forgotten by His Countrymen: Light Horse Harry Lee
Reintroducing the Franklin Debate Society
Reintroducing the Franklin Debate Society
Traditions & Touchdowns: Football at W&L (PODCAST)
Traditions & Touchdowns: Football at W&L (PODCAST)
Washington and Lee and Lafayette: Enduring Legacies of Liberty
Washington and Lee and Lafayette: Enduring Legacies of Liberty
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Primary Sources

Featured
Washington Responds to Retreat from Canada (June 1776)
Washington Responds to Retreat from Canada (June 1776)

In a letter to Brigadier-General Sullivan, Washington responds warmly to the retreat down to New York. He urges cautious friendship with the Canadians to aid the cause.

William Graham and Henry Lee at Princeton (1821)
William Graham and Henry Lee at Princeton (1821)

A memoir of William Graham includes a passage surrounding his time at Princeton College and his friendship with Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee.

Washington Endorses the Virginia Resolution of 1776 (May 1776)
Washington Endorses the Virginia Resolution of 1776 (May 1776)

Washington shares his excitement about the Virginia Resolution of 1776 calling for independence, leading to the Lee Resolution and ultimately the Declaration of Independence. He stresses the importance of carefully forming the new government.

Kiffin Rockwell Portrait Unveiled (1937)
Kiffin Rockwell Portrait Unveiled (1937)

An article from the 1937 Alumni Magazine pays tribute to Kiffin Yates Rockwell, an alumnus of Washington and Lee University and American hero in World War 1.

Fatherly Advice from Henry Lee (1816)
Fatherly Advice from Henry Lee (1816)

While in exile, Henry Lee writes to his eldest son, Charles Carter, and emphasizes the importance of virtue and self-command.

Memorial Tribute to Rev. George A. Baxter (1846)
Memorial Tribute to Rev. George A. Baxter (1846)

Written following the death of Rev. George Baxter, this article memorializes the character and accomplishments of Washington College’s first official president.

The Honor System Defended (1963)
The Honor System Defended (1963)

In a 1963 editorial, Ring-tum Phi editor Landon Butler argues on behalf of the Honor System against attempts to get rid of the single sanction.

Southern Editors Endorse School of Journalism (1921)
Southern Editors Endorse School of Journalism (1921)

This article details Southern editors’ resolve to re-establish the School of Journalism at Washington and Lee, originally established by Robert E. Lee as the nation’s first school of journalism.

Washington Reflects on ‘Common Sense’ and Independence Movement (April 1776)
Washington Reflects on ‘Common Sense’ and Independence Movement (April 1776)

In two letters to Joseph Reed, Washington expresses his view on the impact of Common Sense as well as the danger of disunion among the independence movement.

Remarks to the Graduates (1962)
Remarks to the Graduates (1962)

President Cole details the importance of honor in the Washington and Lee student tradition.

Washington Celebrates British Withdrawal from Boston (March 1776)
Washington Celebrates British Withdrawal from Boston (March 1776)

In a letter to the President of Congress, Washington recounts the evacuation of the British from Boston after he placed cannons on Dorchester Heights, ending the siege of Boston and culminating in a Continental victory.

The President’s Address (1965)
The President’s Address (1965)

In his commencement address, President Cole highlights the accomplishments and lasting legacy of Lee’s presidency.

The Rededication of the Lee Chapel (1963)
The Rededication of the Lee Chapel (1963)

The 1963 Alumni Magazine describes the moving rededication ceremony of Lee Chapel and extols the lasting influence of Lee on the school.

Dr. Smith Encourages the Freshmen Class (1922)
Dr. Smith Encourages the Freshmen Class (1922)

President Smith offers advice to freshmen concerning the three pillar ideals of Washington and Lee and the four greatest student foes to avoid.

Washington Urges for Troops to Remain Amid Canadian Campaign (February 1776)
Washington Urges for Troops to Remain Amid Canadian Campaign (February 1776)

In a letter to John Hancock, Washington expresses his desire for enlisted troops to remain during the Canadian Campaign.

A Day of Mourning…Of Hope and Joy (1968)
A Day of Mourning…Of Hope and Joy (1968)

President Huntley delivered his first commencement address the day after Senator Kennedy was assassinated. In his speech, his emphasizes the importance of remembering history and of the “good mind.”

Dr. Douglas S. Freeman Delivers Founder’s Day Address (1927)
Dr. Douglas S. Freeman Delivers Founder’s Day Address (1927)

An address offered by celebrated author, Douglas S. Freeman, on the impact Washington College had on Robert E. Lee to commemorate Founder’s Day.

Washington Doubles Down Following King George III’s Proclamation (Jan. 1776)
Washington Doubles Down Following King George III’s Proclamation (Jan. 1776)

With word of King George III’s Proclamation reaching the colonies, Washington responds with strengthened determination to fight.

Christmas with R.E. Lee (1867)
Christmas with R.E. Lee (1867)

Two letters describe General Lee’s time with family in Lexington, Virginia after the Civil War.

Washington Attempts to Boost Morale During the Winter (December 1775)
Washington Attempts to Boost Morale During the Winter (December 1775)

As winter sets in, Washington urges the disenchanted to remember the cause of liberty and devotion to their country.

Lee Memorial School of Journalism Established (1925)
Lee Memorial School of Journalism Established (1925)

An account of the new Lee Memorial School of Journalism in the 1925 Alumni Magazine.

“Our University” Is Subject of President’s Smith’s Address (1924)
“Our University” Is Subject of President’s Smith’s Address (1924)

Featured in the 1924 Ring-tum Phi, President Smith delivers an address stressing the importance of character and honor at Washington and Lee.

Glimpses of the General Through the Eyes of a Boy (1928)
Glimpses of the General Through the Eyes of a Boy (1928)

A letter printed in the 1928 W&L Alumni Magazine details a young boy’s recollected encounters with General Lee.

The Continental Army Succeeds in Canada (November 1775)
The Continental Army Succeeds in Canada (November 1775)

News of Benedict Arnold’s success in Canada reaches Washington while Congress authorizes the establishment of the Continental Marines.

Impressive Chapel Held Armistice Day (1921)
Impressive Chapel Held Armistice Day (1921)

The 1921 Ring-tum Phi recounts a moving service held in Lee Chapel to commemorate Armistice Day.

Letter from William Preston Johnston to the Editor of the Washington and Lee University Southern Collegian (1874)
Letter from William Preston Johnston to the Editor of the Washington and Lee University Southern Collegian (1874)

In a letter to the Washington and Lee University Southern Collegian, William Preston Johnston laments the post-war state of the South. He stresses the importance of alumni patronage and urges Washington and Lee alumni to devote their resources to aid the school.

Washington prepares for winter in Boston (October 1775)
Washington prepares for winter in Boston (October 1775)

Col. Arnold and Gen. Schuyler led Continental soldiers in Canada while Washington digs in at Boston for the winter.

Lee Chapel: A Mecca for Tourists (1925)
Lee Chapel: A Mecca for Tourists (1925)

The 1925 W&L Alumni Magazine describes Lee Chapel’s popularity.

Washington sends Benedict Arnold to Canada (September 1775) 
Washington sends Benedict Arnold to Canada (September 1775) 

As Washington waits out the British in the Siege of Boston, he authorizes more troops to join Col. Benedict Arnold’s invasion of Canada.

George Washington’s Diaries: Volume III
George Washington’s Diaries: Volume III

In his diary, Washington details his visits to and the work of his plantations.