History and Tourism
 When it comes to history, Tuskegee is second to few in the nation.  There are several National Historic Sites here, as well as many of state, local, and cultural historical significance.  Upon visiting Tuskegee, be sure to visit these sites:

Moton Field National Historic Site is the training and takeoff site of the famous 99th Pursuit Squadron, known as the Tuskegee Airmen.  This group of black pilots overcame barriers to serve the United States in World War II and have a major impact. They have been recognized several times by the President of the United States for their service.  A National Air Museum in their honor is being built at Moton Field and is set to open soon.

The Macon County Courthouse, built in 1907, is of the Romanesque pattern of many similar courthouses, but is disctinctive in that its' gargoyles on the tower combine a dragon and an eagle instead of depicting an eagle alone.

The City of Tuskegee Historic District dates back to the mid-1800's.  It contains large homes, tall churches, commercial buildings, and the historic county courthouse.  More than 27 outstanding structures surround the Square, the portion of the Historic District resembling a square in shape.  Many of the old homes are continued farther down Main Street, some of which were occupied by slave owners.

Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site is a broad name given to a number of national historic sites within or related to Tuskegee Institute - presently known as Tuskegee University.

Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church is the original home of Tuskegee University, founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington.  The first classes taught by Washington were held in the basement of the church, which stills stands today and has an active membership.  The church was organized in 1865 by Reverend J.M. Butler.

The Veil of Ignorance Monument shows Tuskegee University founder Booker T. Washington lifting the veil of ignorance from his fellow man.  The monument's inscription reads: "He lifted the veil of ignorance from his people and pointed the way to progress through education and industry."

The Tuskegee University Cemetery is where the bodies of Booker T. Washington and his family, George Washington Carver, William Dawson, and other noted persons associated with the University lay at rest.

Tuskegee University is a well-known, historically black education institution created in 1881 by a legislative act sponsored by Lewis Adams, a former slave, and George W. Campbell, a former slave owner.  Booker T. Washington served as the school's first president.  The University is home to over 27 buildings, many of which students built by hand, that are listed on the National Register.  Scientist George Washington Carver, famous for his work with the sweet potato and the peanut, among others, did his work here.

Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System, East Campus, formerly the Veteran's Administration Medical Center, was the only Veteran's hospital for black World War I veterans.  Many blacks turned down elsewhere received medical training here. It was constructed in 1921.

The Daniel "Chappie" James Center for Aerospace Science and Health Education is named after General Daniel "Chappie" James, the first black four-star general and one of Tuskegee University's most popular students.  Designed by Tuskegee graduate Tarlee W. Brown, this beautiful building houses the offices of the University's Army and Aerospace Sciences Dept. of Aerospace Engineering, Natatorium, Health Education, and a memorial hall for James. His jet is mounted in front of the Center.

The Oaks was the home of Booker T. Washington.  It is located on the Tuskegee University campus and has many of Washington's possessions preserved and displayed.

The Kellogg Conference Center was built from Dorothy Hall, which was part of Tuskegee University's original campus.  The elegant, state-of-the-art facility provides 17,000 square feet of meeting space and 108 guest rooms and suites, ideal for corporate and educational meetings.

Grey Columns is a two-story, masonry, Greek Revival structure built in 1857.  Now the home of the Tuskegee University president, it has an octagon cupola, six protruding interior chimneys, and a columned portico around the three sides.  It is not open to the public.   

The Old Administration Building (Kresge Center) was originally the office of Booker T. Washington and now houses several University offices, including that of the president.  A Centennial Vision Mural is permanently displayed.

The University Chapel was built in 1969 and designed by Paul Rudolph.  The old chapel, designed by R. R.
Taylor and built by students in 1896, was destroyed by fire in 1957.

The Washington Collection and Archives are located on the first floor of the Hollis Burke Frissel Library on the Tuskegee University campus.

In addition to these numerous historic sites, many persons of historical significance were born and/or raised in Tuskegee.  These include Rosa Parks, Lionel Richie, and Tom Joyner.