Lyon G. Tyler Department of History

Lyon Gardiner Tyler

Son of John Tyler, the 10th United States president, Lyon Gardiner Tyler was an attorney, historian and prolific author who in 1888 took over a college that had been virtually closed for seven years. By 1919, Tyler's leadership had enabled William and Mary to increase its enrollment to more than 200, enlarge the faculty to 14, renovate or construct 12 buildings and dramatically incrase its endowment. Tyler also led efforts to admit women to the College. Today, the Department of History has 28 full-time and 6 affiliated faculty members.