Department of History

Welcome

About the Crest

The History Department encourages students to learn about the past (people, culture, government and ideas), to think critically and analytically, and to write and speak accurately and clearly.  These skills enrich us as individuals and prepare us to deal with the complexities and ambiguities of the contemporary world.

The Department welcomes students who choose to make History their major, those who want to study history to fulfill their foundation requirements, and those who love history and wish to take our courses as electives.

A Little of Our History—

Washington and Lee University was one of the first colleges to offer a program in the "new" field of history.  Prior to the Civil War it was rare to find a professor of history on an American college campus.  All that changed in Lexington with the arrival of R.E. Lee as President in 1865.  Lee and his faculty expanded  the "sphere of the college operations" when he appointed W&L’s  first Professor of History and Literature.

In 1868 a specific department of history emerged, focusing on ancient and modern history, with readings from Gibbon, Hume, McCauley, Arnold, Guizot, and other classic authors.  During  the late 1880s, offerings expanded to include specialized ("more minute") studies in English and Virginia history.  By the early 20th century the department offered "conferences" or seminars in American history with the "preparation of papers" based on "original research."  By 1910 the department, the curriculum, and the catalogue took on a modern look with new surveys and advanced courses in ancient, medieval, early modern, French, English and American history. 

History Resources

- Home - About the Major - Course Descriptions - Fall Course Offerings - Faculty Listing

Other History Resources

- W&L Crest - Honors in History - Awards - Careers - Center for Law and History - Research Links