Booker T Washington National Monument • Virginia

Tobacco field being plowed by man with two draft horses

Back side of kitchen cabin and smokehouse in snow with blue sky and trees

Four people dressed as enslaved people in front of the fireplace in cabin

Reconstructed kitchen cabin where Booker T. Washington was born

Two re-enactors portraying enslaved people sitting in front of fire inside kitchen cabin

Visitor Center

Exhibits on outside of visitor center bathrooms

Booker T. Washington Elementary School (Park Headquarters)

Park trail and part of pasture

Horse in barn

Wagon coming up trail to farm with people

Booker T. Washington was born a slave in April 1856 on the 207-acre farm of James Burroughs. After the Civil War, Washington became the first principal of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial School. Later as an adviser, author and orator, his past would influence his philosophies as the most influential African American of his era. Come explore his birthplace.

The main crop on the plantation where Booker T. Washington was born was tobacco. This photograph shows a man with draft horses preparing to plow a field.
NPS Photo/ VIP Bill Tucker

The reconstructed kitchen cabin and smoke house on the farm where Booker T. Washington was born.
NPS Photo

Re-enactors portraying enslaved people in the reconstructed kitchen cabin where Booker T. Washington was born and lived for 9 years.
NPS Photo

Reconstructed kitchen cabin with herb garden
NPS photo

Two re-enactors portraying enslaved people sitting in front of fire inside kitchen cabin
NPS photo

Visitor Center
NPS photo

Exhibits on outside of visitor center bathrooms
NPS photo

Booker T. Washington Elementary School (Park Headquarters)
NPS photo

Park trail and part of pasture
NPS photo

Horse in barn
NPS photo

Harvest Time Festival Wagon Ride
NPS photo

A two-horse-drawn carriage full of visitors approachs a wooden house.

Plan Your Visit

Everything you need to know to plan your visit to Booker T. Washington National Monument.

The words "Measure of a Man" over a field of grain.

Measure of a Man

Watch and share a 13-minute video focusing on the life and legacy of Dr. Booker Taliaferro Washington.

A landscape view of a green foreground with

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Booker T. Washington standing on a stage above a crowd.

The Atlanta Exposition Speech of 1895

Read the text of Booker T. Washington's most famous speecch.

Last updated: July 21, 2026

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

12130 Booker T. Washington Highway
Hardy, VA 24101

Phone:

540 682-0173

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