Most primary source databases search the full text of documents. Think about the language that would have been used during that time period. You will also need to select as specific phrases as you can, especially if you are looking through newspapers. Just think how many articles include a word like "college" without the article being *about* college.
You can also try including format types in your search, such as diaries, pamphlets, interviews, correspondence, personal narratives, etc.
The following links provide a sampling of what our primary source databases have to offer, but they're just a dozen or so of the literal hundreds W&M Libraries subscribes to. You may also want to search by keyword to find additional primary source databases to search.
Pro tip for finding databases: when searching by keyword, go extremely broad. Looking for information on the Trail of Tears? Try searching "american indian" or "native american." Seeking first-person accounts of Black students attending desegregated schools post-Brown v Board? Try searching "civil rights" or "african american."
Especially good for W&M specific information
