• 1881
• July
• education
• founded
• Tuskegee
• Alabama
• James A. Garfield

Tuskegee, Alabama - Tuskegee University began as the Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers. It came from an agreement between a former Confederate Colonel, W.F. Foster, and a local Black American leader, Lewis Adams.

Foster sought to keep his office, in the 1880 election. He promised Adams a school for Black Americans, if he helped him get votes.

Adams delivered. Foster kept his promise. The State of Alabama passed a law for what would become Tuskegee University.

George W. Campbell, a former slave owner, recruited Booker T. Washington as principal. Washington held that position from July 4, 1881 until he died, in 1915.

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