This watch, presented to Morgantown native son Don Knotts in 1965 at the end of his fifth season on The Andy Griffith Show, is part of the historical artifacts housed in WVU's downtown library.

Among the many interesting historical artifacts housed in WVU's downtown library is the attendee list book from the 1906 meeting of the Niagara Movement, where those gathered would eventually launch the NAACP.

In our first installment of our WVU history series, check out the artifacts of Civil War Brigadier General Joseph A. J. Lightburn, including his battle sword that took a bullet for him.

What does a Civil War sword, an old compass, and Don Knotts' watch have to do with each other? They're all part of a new historical series coming to the pages of The Daily Athenaeum.