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Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

Explore the legacy of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver at this historic center for African American education and innovation.

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The Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, located on the campus of Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama, preserves the legacy of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. Founded in 1881, the institute became a leading center for African American education, focusing on industrial training and agricultural advancement. Today, visitors can explore historic buildings and museums that highlight the contributions of the institute and its influential figures.

A brief summary to Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and tour schedules, as they can vary.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the campus, as the historic sites are spread out.
  • Visit the George Washington Carver Museum to learn about his agricultural innovations and contributions to the institute.
  • Take a ranger-guided tour of The Oaks, Booker T. Washington's home, to gain insights into his life and work.
  • Allow several hours to fully explore the campus and its historic buildings.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-85, take exit 38 (Tuskegee-Notasulga exit). Turn onto Alabama Hwy 81 and drive three miles into the City of Tuskegee. Turn right at the first traffic light onto West Montgomery Road. Drive one mile; at the second traffic light, turn right through the Lincoln Gates into the Tuskegee campus. The Kellogg Center will be on your right, with the George Washington Carver Museum behind it. Parking is available behind the Kellogg Center and near The Oaks. Limited taxi service is available locally. Rental cars can be arranged in advance from Hertz via Golden Eagle Aviation; call 334-727-6485 for information. Parking in the deck behind the Kellogg Center has a fee.

  • Public Transport

    Greyhound and FlixBus offer bus service to Tuskegee. From the Tuskegee Bus Stop, the Tuskegee University campus is approximately 2 miles away. Macon County Public Transportation provides transportation services within Macon County. A round trip fare within Macon County is $10 per person. Limited taxi service is available locally.

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Discover more about Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site

Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site stands as a powerful symbol of African American achievement in the face of adversity. Established in 1881, the institute, now Tuskegee University, was founded by Booker T. Washington with the mission of providing practical education and skills to formerly enslaved people. The campus was designated a National Historic Site in 1974. The site encompasses the historic campus district, where many original buildings constructed by students still stand. These buildings, designed in part by Robert Robinson Taylor, the first African American graduate of MIT, showcase the institute's commitment to self-sufficiency and hands-on learning. Key attractions include The Oaks, the former home of Booker T. Washington, and the George Washington Carver Museum. The museum exhibits highlight the groundbreaking agricultural research of George Washington Carver and the institute's broader impact on African American life. Visitors can take ranger-guided tours of The Oaks and explore the campus to learn about the institute's history and its significant role in American history. The institute also played a crucial role in the training of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. Though the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is a separate location at Moton Field, their story is intertwined with the Tuskegee Institute.

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