Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from William C. P. Breckinridge Photograph   must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: William C. P. Breckinridge Photoraph, Ms2014-011, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

The William C. P. Breckinridge Photograph   was donated to Special Collections in 2005.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the William C. P. Breckinridge Photograph   commenced and was completed in October 2014.

Biographical Note

William Campbell Preston Breckinridge was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on August 28, 1837, a son of Robert J. and Ann Sophonisba Preston Breckinridge. After studying law at the University of Louisville, Breckinridge was admitted to the Kentucky bar in 1857. In 1861, he joined the Confederate Army as a captain and in 1862 was promoted to colonel of the 9th Kentucky Cavalry. At the close of the war, he commanded the Kentucky cavalry serving as bodyguard of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Following the war, Breckinridge returned to Kentucky and worked as an attorney, a newspaper editor, and a professor at the University of Kentucky. He later entered politics and served five terms in the U. S. House of Representatives. A breach of promise lawsuit and scandal effectively ended his political career. Following his departure from political office, Breckinridge, with his son Desha, purchased the Lexington Morning Herald . William C. P. Breckinridge died on November 19, 1904.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a single portrait photograph   of Kentucky Congressman William C. P. Breckinridge, who once served as colonel of the 9th Kentucky Cavalry. In the form of a cabinet card produced by the Mullen Studio of Lexington, Kentucky, the photograph   is autographed by Breckinridge. A note on the reverse side suggests that the photo was taken in 1887.