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Governor A. Linwood Holton
Abner Linwood Holton, Jr. was born in Big
Stone Gap. He attended public school and
graduated from Washington and Lee University in
1994. After serving in World War II, Holton
attended Harvard Law School and received his
degree. Holton served governor from 1970 to
1974 and was the first Republican Governor of
Virginia since Reconstruction. As governor, he
increased employment of African-Americans and
women in state government, founded the Virginia
Governor's Schools Program in 1973, and provided
the first state funds for community mental
health centers, and supported environmental
efforts. In 1970, when forced busing was an
issue in Virginia, Holton voluntarily placed his
children (including future First Lady of
Virginia Anne Holton) in the mostly
African-American Richmond public schools
garnering much publicity. After his term in
office, he served as President of the Center for
Innovative Technology.
On Saturday, September 20, a special public "Induction Ceremony" was held at 5:30 pm on the grounds of the Southwest Virginia Museum in Big Stone Gap. The event was part of the museum's year-long 60th Anniversary celebration. We wish to thank all those you came out to celebrate these very fine accomplishments. For more information, contact the museum at 276-523-1332.
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