The library is pleased to have recently received a rare piece of Alabama history, despite its role in keeping Tuscaloosa within the border.
A 19th-century letter instrumental in the formation of Alabama state borders was recently donated to the library.
John Williams Walker, a pivotal figure in early Alabama government, wrote the letter.
Mississippi was admitted to the union in December of 1817, and Walker wrote the letter in February of 1818 in an effort to keep the majority of the Tombeckbe River, now the Tombigbee, within Alabama Territory and out of Mississippi state borders.
Walker's efforts were rewarded Dec. 14, 1819, when Alabama was admitted to the union with a western boundary that included most of the Tombigbee River.
Had he been unsuccessful, Tuscaloosa would be in Mississippi today.
"This letter is from one of Alabama's most significant early politicians and was written by him before Alabama was even a state," said Bonnie MacEwan, dean of Auburn University Libraries. "It offers insight into a significant chapter in Alabama history when what would become Alabama did not even have clearly-defined borders."
Walker wrote the letter while working as a lawyer and serving in the legislature of the Alabama Territory.
Walker later became the president of the constitutional convention that drafted Alabama's first state constitution in 1819, and he was selected as one of the first senators to represent Alabama in Congress.
However, because of his tuberculosis, he was unable to complete his first term as a senator, dying in 1832.
"This letter is unique in the archives held in Alabama," MacEwan said. "While many Walker papers are held in the state from when he was a U.S. Senator after Alabama became a state in 1819, nothing currently held in the state archives is from this pre-statehood era."
Walker wrote the letter from the Alabama Territory capitol of St. Stephens.
The letter is an appeal to an unknown contact in Washington, D.C., regarding the western boundary of the territory.
Those close to the project are thrilled with this addition to the library's Special Collections and Archives.
A supporter of the library who wishes to be left anonymous donated the letter.
Greg Schmidt, special collections librarian, put this letter on his "wish list" a few years ago.
"Gifts are really how we get the most striking and newsworthy material," Schmidt said. "I really appreciate these supporters.
"There are so many ways you can give to Auburn. When somebody sees these rare documents and thinks of Auburn, I'm especially flattered."
Schmidt wants students to know that they are welcome to take a look at this letter or the other documents in the library's Special Collections and Archives at their convenience.
"This letter, which came to us as a private gift from a generous donor, shines a fascinating light on Alabama history," said Dwayne Cox, head of Special Collections and Archives. "The Walker letter is part of a growing collection of rare books, historical photographs and manuscripts that support the work of Auburn University students and faculty."
Special Collections and Archives are open to all faculty, staff and students, and Schmidt said no special permission is required to go to special collections and read.
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