Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

A. Linwood Holton, Papers, 1968-1974. Accession 28253, Personal papers collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Va. 23219.

Acquisition Information

Gift of Governor and Mrs. A. Linwood Holton through Alexander G. Gilliam, Jr., Special Assistant to Governor Holton, Richmond, Virginia, 15 April 1974.

Biographical Information

Abner Linwood Holton was born 21 September 1923 in Roanoke, Virginia, to Abner Linwood Holton and Edith Van Gorder Holton. He attended local schools, then received his B.A. from Washington and Lee University in 1944. Holton served in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. He then attended Harvard Law School, receiving his LL.B. in 1949. Admitted to the Virginia bar that same year, Holton commenced practicing in Roanoke. He became active in the Virginia Republican Party. He was the unsuccessful candidate for governor in 1965, then won election in 1969. Holton served as governor of Virginia from 1970 to 1974. After his term ended, he served as assistant secretary of state for congressional relations in 1974. Holton resigned that position and practiced law in Washington D.C. He married Virginia Harrison Rogers 10 January 1953, and had four children with her.

Scope and Content

Papers, 1968-1974, of A. Linwood Holton (1923- ), governor of Virginia from 1969 to 1974, consisting of acknowledgements, appointment books, articles, audiotapes, biographies, certificates, clippings, editorials, histories, interviews, invitations, letters, logs, motion pictures, notes, photographs, poems, programs, reports, reviews, schedules, speeches, summaries, videotapes, and other materials documenting Holton's election and governorship. Papers document Holton's election campaign; his inauguration; and his term as governor, including his meetings, conferences, and addresses to various business, civic, and political groups. Also included are commencement addresses to colleges and universities in Virginia. Papers also document state and national Republican Party activities, including President Richard Nixon's (1913-1994) 1972 reelection bid. There are audio- and videotapes of Holton's campaign, addresses, inaugurals, and interviews. Collection largely consists of personal files gleaned from the Governor's official papers at the time of their transfer to the Archives. Papers also cover Virginia First Lady Virginia "Jinx" Harrison Rogers Holton's activities, including meetings with various organizations and civic groups.