Tuskegee Institute
National Historic Site

Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
P.O. Drawer l0
Tuskegee Institute, AL
36087

• In 1881, Booker T. Washington became the first principal of a newly formed Normal School for Negroes in Tuskegee, Alabama, at the age of 26. This began a lifelong quest for excellence that over saw the Growth of Tuskegee Institute. The Historic Campus District still retains the original buildings built by the students of the Institute, with bricks made by students in the Institute brickyard. In 1896, George Washington Carver joined the faculty and revolutionized agricultural development in the South in the early twentieth century. The legacy of these two men, and the History of this great institution of higher education has been preserved to tell the story of men and women, former slaves, who struggled to make their place in our American society. The Site, Located on the campus of Tuskegee University, became a part of the National Park System in 1974. African-American history, early industrial development, civil rights, and education are some of the themes represented at this site.
  

Authorized Oct. 26,1974.
Acreage

-57.62

Federal: 8.32
Nonfederal: 49.30

VISITATION:

Highest in February through June; lowest in December.

LOCATION:

On the Campus of Tuskegee University, City of Tuskegee, Macon County, Alabama

ADDRESS:

Tuskegee Institute NHS

P.O. Drawer 10

Tuskegee Institute, AL 36087

TELEPHONE:

(334)727-6390

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summers generally hot and humid. Winters are generally mild with variable precipitation. Recommend light of clothing, especially in summer, and good walking shoes.

DIRECTIONS:

Tuskegee Institute is located along Old Montgomery Rd. approximately 1.5 miles northwest of downtown Tuskegee, 35 miles east of Montgomery Al., and Twenty miles west of Auburn Al.

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: Take I 85 to exit 38. Travel north along State Route 81 approximately 6 miles to the City of Tuskegee. Follow the signs. In Park: personal vehicles, and foot traffic.

FEES, COSTS RATES:

None.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

The Carver Museum, The Oaks, Home of Booker T. Washington, The Chappie James Museum, operated by Tuskegee University.

Trails, Roadways:

Walking trail throughout the Historic Campus District.

Programs, Activities:

Regularly scheduled ranger­guided tours are available daily. Educational programs for schools are given throughout the school year. Reservations requested.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:

The Kellogg Executive Conference Center, with a 110 room guest tower and a full service meeting complex, located in the Historic campus district. Other nearby hotels include the western Inn, located at I 85, and the Days Inn, located in Shorter, Alabama. Camping availiable nearby at Chewakla State Park, approximately 15 miles from Tuskegee.

Food, Supplies:

Local restaurants are within walking and driving distance of the park.

Other Concessions, NPS­Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

The Park bookshop, operated by the Eastern National Parks and Monuments Association, is located in the Carver Museum in the Historic Campus District. Over 500 titles are available with special emphasis on African­American History, Alabama History, Science, Education of African Americans, Industry, the Environment, and official NPS handbooks and videos. For further information call 1­334-727-3200.

Accessibility:

All exhibits in the Carver Museum are accessible. The Oaks is accessible on the first floor only. Wheelchairs are available.

Special Needs:

Parking available at the Kellogg Executive Conference Center and on Campus in designated areas. Parking is also availiable for campers and motor homes.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Visiting the Carver Museum and The Oaks, viewing exhibits, joining in guided programs, Walking in the Historic Campus District, touring the Chappie James Exhibit (by appointment)

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations for school groups and other educational groups should be made three weeks prior to your visit. At least one month's notice and application for Special Use Permits is required. Filming permits are arranged on an individual basis. For additional information concerning reservations, special use or filming permits, call (334) 727-3200.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

A minimum of two hours is recommended to visit the Carver Museum and The Oaks.

SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS:

February ­­ Black History Month Program & Exhibit

May ­­ Annual Carver Crafts Festival

October ­­ Annual Carver Sweet Potato Festival

December ­­ Open House

Call the Park for specific dates and times at (334) 727-3200.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

none

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS(these links will take you away form Parknet)

• Tuskegee University, City of Montgomery, Alabama (35 Mi.), Robert Trent Jones Golf trail and other golf courses, Horseback riding available nearby. Call for further information

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write Tuskegee Institute N.H.S., P.O. Drawer 10, Tuskegee Institute, AL 36087, or call (334) 727-3200.

• _________________________________
  For information on archeology, visit SEAC , for information on other NPS areas in Alabama see Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Little River Canyon Preserve, Natchez Trace Scenic Trail, Russell Cave National MonumentFor related information on Booker T. Washington, visit Booker T. Washington Nat'l. Monument. For Additional Information on George Washington Carver visit George Washington Carver Nat'l Monument
  

• 
  
  
• Last Updated: March 7, 1997
  http://www.nps.gov/tuin/index.htm