Abstract: Papers, mainly 1940-1970, of Warren P. Knowles, a former Republican governor (1965-1971), lieutenant governor (1955-1959/1961-1963), and state senator (1941-1955), who was a central figure in Wisconsin politics from the 1940s through the 1960s. As governor, Knowles' leadership was felt both in the moderate direction taken by the state Republican Party and by his support for legislative initiatives in the areas of state economic development, water pollution, and highway safety. Because Knowles held office during the turbulent 1960s his administration also dealt with problems of national significance such as anti-Vietnam war demonstrations and unrest among the poor and urban Blacks. The papers include eighteen public records series and one manuscript collection. The manuscript collection consists of documentation predating Knowles' election as governor and concerns both his career in the Senate and his tenure as lieutenant governor as well as his private life.