Tuskegee University

Lewis Adams, a former slave and successful tradesman of the Reconstruction era, envisioned an educational institution for African Americans in Tuskegee. On July 4, 1881, Adams’ dream became a reality after legislation was passed for the establishment of the Negro Normal School in Tuskegee – later to be known as Tuskegee University. Today, the university is a diverse higher learning institution, dedicated to academic excellence and developing students who are both intelligent and morally committed to public service. The campus has been deemed a National Historic Site by the National Park Service.