Information for Visiting Researchers

Getting to the Archives
The Lewis F. Powell, Jr. Archives is situated in the Washington and Lee University School of Law in historic Lexington, Virginia. There is no public transportation directly to Lexington. The closest general aviation airport is located 50 miles south in Roanoke, Virginia. The nearest train connections are Staunton, Virginia, 35 miles north, and Clifton Forge, Virginia, 25 miles west. Located near a crossroad of interstate highways 81 and 64, Lexington is easily accessible by auto. Washington, DC is approximately a 3 hour drive to the northeast. Charlottesville, Virginia--home of the University of Virginia--is a 1 1/4 hour drive in the same direction, and also has its own airport and Amtrak depot.

Lodging

A variety of visitor lodging is available. The range includes restored historic inns, bed and breakfast establishments, and national motel chains. There are a small number of rooms that the university provides for visitors at low cost. Those desiring this type of accomodation should contact the archives as early as possible.  A listing of public accommodations and maps giving directions to the campus are available upon request from the archives or through the links on this page. As matriculations; reunion and homecoming weekends; commencements and other events throughout the academic years of both Washington and Lee University and its neighbor, the Virginia Military Institute, more than fill area motels and inns, it is wise to make reservations well in advance of your visit. You might also wish to check the academic calendars of both W&L and VMI in an attempt to plan visits away from these busy times.

Parking

Visitor Parking at the law school is extremely limited when classes are in sessions. If you cannot find a visitor parking space, ask for a visitor parking permit in the law school.  When classes are not in session, you may park in any of the law school lots.