Linwood Holton was born on September 21, 1923 at Big Stone Gap in Wise County. He attended public school and graduated from Washington and Lee University in 1944. After serving in World War II, Holton attended Harvard Law School and earned his degree in 1949. He began his law practice in Roanoke.

Holton was deeply involved in politics during the 1950's, serving as the Chairman of Roanoke's Republican Committee. In the 60's, Holton ran for various public offices, but was not elected. In 1968, Holton served on the six-man committee that handled President Nixon's nomination bid and became a regional coordinator for Nixon's campaign. In 1969, Holton was elected Governor, serving from 1970-1974. Holton's campaign slogan "It's Time For A Change" partially referred to the fact that Virginia had not had a Republican Governor since 1884. As Governor, Holton championed racial quality and increased the employment and appointment of African-Americans and women in state government.