The Robert Selph Henry Papers consist of correspondence, subject files, photographs, and clippings concerning Henry's research on the Civil War, focusing on the Confederacy and Nathan Bedford Forrest, and also railroad history. Most subject files involve research notes and photocopies or transcriptions of primary sources such as diaries, letters, and reminiscences. This collection also contains Henry's Southern Historical Association (SHA) and Association of American Railroads papers.

The collection dates from 1861 to 1971; however, most of the Civil War letters and diaries contained in this collection appear to be either later reprints, transcriptions, or copies of the original. The dates given in this finding aid correspond to the year for the original document. Many of the photographs are reproductions as well.