Booker T. Washington National Monument

National Monument · VA · nps.gov page

Tobacco field being plowed by man with two draft horses
The main crop on the plantation where Booker T. Washington was born was tobacco. This photograph shows a man with draft horses preparing to plow a field.Photo: NPS Photo/ VIP Bill Tucker

Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later as an adviser, author and orator, his past would influence his philosophies as the most influential African American of his era. Come explore his birthplace.

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Back side of kitchen cabin and smokehouse in snow with blue sky and trees
The reconstructed kitchen cabin and smoke house on the farm where Booker T. Washington was born.Photo: NPS Photo
Four people dressed as enslaved people in front of the fireplace in cabin
Re-enactors portraying enslaved people in the reconstructed kitchen cabin where Booker T. Washington was born and lived for 9 years.Photo: NPS Photo
Reconstructed kitchen cabin where Booker T. Washington was born
Reconstructed kitchen cabin with herb gardenPhoto: NPS photo
Two re-enactors portraying enslaved people sitting in front of fire inside kitchen cabin
Two re-enactors portraying enslaved people sitting in front of fire inside kitchen cabinPhoto: NPS photo
Visitor Center
Visitor CenterPhoto: NPS photo
Exhibits on outside of visitor center bathrooms
Exhibits on outside of visitor center bathroomsPhoto: NPS photo
Booker T. Washington Elementary School (Park Headquarters)
Booker T. Washington Elementary School (Park Headquarters)Photo: NPS photo
Park trail and part of pasture
Park trail and part of pasturePhoto: NPS photo
Horse in barn
Horse in barnPhoto: NPS photo
Wagon coming up trail to farm with people
Harvest Time Festival Wagon RidePhoto: NPS photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.