24 African-American Historical Sites You Must Visit

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Hampton University — Hampton, Virginia

A portion of Hampton University was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974 as it was founded on the grounds of Little Scotland, a former plantation used as a refuge for enslaved Blacks fleeing to the Union in the first year of the Civil War.

Historical buildings include Mansion House, the original plantation residence of Little Scotland; Virginia Hall; Academic Hall; Wigwam and Marquand Memorial Chapel.

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Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site — Tuskegee, Alabama

Built by educator Booker T. Washington in 1881, Tuskegee Institute made numerous contributions to African-American development, notably George Washington Carver’s innovations in agriculture and the Tuskegee Airmen, military pilots who fought in World War II.

In 1965, Tuskegee Institute was declared a historical site because of its contributions to African-American higher education. The National Historic Site includes The Oaks, Washington’s home; the Booker T. Washington Monument; the graves of Washington and Carver and the George Washington Carver Museum.

Source: Arkansas Capitol Zoning District Commission
Source: Arkansas Capitol Zoning District Commission

Daisy Bates House, Little Rock Nine — Little Rock, Arkansas

Daisy Bates was the adviser to the Little Rock Nine, the group of high school students who led desegregation of schools in 1957. The house served as a command post for the group. Although it is not open to the public, it is a great piece of history to view in Little Rock.

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Frederick Douglass House — Washington, D.C.

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland. After his escape, he became a great social reformer, orator, writer and abolitionist. He lived the last 13 years of his life in this house during his time as a U.S. marshal under President Rutherford B. Hayes.

Tours of the Douglass house and the grounds are available by reservation. The visitor’s center features the movie Fight for Freedom about Douglass’ life.

Photo: Jason Gilmore
Photo: Jason Gilmore

Atlanta University Center Historic District — Atlanta, Georgia

Created in 1929, this collective of six historically Black colleges now includes: Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, the Morehouse School of Medicine, Morris Brown College, Spelman College and the Interdenominational Theological Center.

Explore the university grounds and walk in the footsteps of famous alumni such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., singer Mattiwilda Dobbs, filmmaker Spike Lee and Maynard H. Jackson Jr., the first African-American mayor of Atlanta.