Tuskegee in Macon County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Oaks
Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 11, 2017
1. The Oaks Marker
The actual sight of a first-class house that a Negro has built is ten times more potent than pages of discussion about a house that he ought to build, or perhaps could build. —Booker T. Washington, Up From SlaveryThe Oaks was the home of Booker T Washington. Twice a widower, Washington lived here with his third wife, Margaret Murray Washington and three children from his earlier marriages. In 1899 Tuskegee students and faculty built the house, designed by school architect Robert R. Taylor using bricks made at the institute.
By that time Washington and his school were well known internationally, and he spent more than half of each year away from home giving speeches and raising funds. Mrs. Washington continued to live at The Oaks after her husband died here November 14, 1915. She died in 1925.
[Photo caption]
Booker T. Washington sits outside The Oaks flanked by wife Margaret and daughter Portia and his sons Ernest (left) and Booker T. Jr. Washington's first wife, Fannie Smith, died in 1884, and his second wife, Olivia Davidson, died in 1889.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Notable Buildings. A significant historical date for this entry is November 14, 1915.
Location. 32° 25.696′ N, 85° 42.321′ W. Marker is in Tuskegee, Alabama, in Macon County. Marker is on West Montgomery Road east of Chambliss Street, on the right when traveling east. "The Oaks" is one of only two historical buildings not located within the gated campus and is operated by the National Park Service. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 905 West Montgomery Road, Tuskegee AL 36083, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Managing the School (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Philanthropists (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Quadrangle (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Porter Hall 1883 / Huntington Academic Building 1905 (about 400 feet away); White Hall (about 500 feet away); Dining and Social Center (about 500 feet away); Campus Architect (about 600 feet away); The Burnt Place (about 600 feet away).
Also see . . . National Park Service site about The Oaks house. (Submitted on March 11, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 11, 2017
2. The Oaks house from the front.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 11, 2017
3. The Oaks house from the side.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, March 11, 2017
4. The view west on Montgomery Road, towards the Lincoln gate entrance to the University.
Public Domain
5. Booker T. Washington
Library of Congress
6. Margaret Murray Washington
Copyright c. 1917 by C.M. Battey
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 11, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 548 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 11, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 6. submitted on September 26, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
