Lincoln Normal School (Marion, Alabama)

African American Civil Rights Network

Lincoln Normal School, located in Marion, Alabama, was among the first schools established for the education of freedmen after the U.S. Civil War. The school was incorporated in 1867 by a group of nine local African American men, all former slaves. With the help of the American Missionary Association (AMA) the men, along with other Marion residents, were able to raise enough funds to buy a plot of land for the school’s campus. The AMA leased a building for the school’s use and began working with the Freedman’s Bureau and local African American residents to raise funds for a permanent facility. Along with additional funds from the State of Alabama a new school building was built on the campus.

Originally a primary and secondary school, in 1871, the Lincoln Normal School was selected by the state as the site of one of four teacher-training schools. The school was renamed the Lincoln Normal University for Teachers to reflect its new status. The AMA deeded the school to the state in 1874, making it the first state-supported educational institution for African Americans in the U.S. In 1878, the school was renamed the State Normal School and University for Colored Students and Teachers. A fire destroyed the State Normal School in 1887, and the teacher-training university was moved to Montgomery, Alabama, eventually becoming Alabama State University. The primary and secondary normal schools remained in Marion and were active until 1970.

Lincoln Normal School left an important intellectual legacy for Alabama's African American community. In addition to laying the foundation for Alabama State University, the school provided a progressive and innovative model of education for its students and its wider community.

Lincoln Normal School became part of the African American Civil Rights Network in 2022.

The African American Civil Rights Network recognizes the African American Civil Rights Movement in the United States and the sacrifices made by those who fought against discrimination and segregation. Created by the African American Civil Rights Act of 2017, and coordinated by the National Park Service, the Network tells the stories of the people, places, and events of the U.S. African American Civil Rights Movement through a collection of public and private resources to include properties, facilities, and programs.