The Oaks, Home of Booker T. Washington

The Oaks, home of Booker T. Washington

NPS

Completed in 1899, The Oaks was the home of Booker T. Washington, the first principal of Tuskegee Institute. Washington lived in the home from 1900 until his passing in 1915. The home also served as the residence of his wife, Margaret Murray Washington, until 1925. Built by Tuskegee students using Institute-made bricks, The Oaks stands as a symbol of the school’s industrial training and the leadership of Washington himself. This two-story Victorian-style home features modern amenities of the early 20th century and served as both a private family residence and a place to receive prominent national guests.Today, The Oaks is preserved and interpreted by the National Park Service as part of Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site. It offers insight into Washington’s personal life, family, and the broader mission of the school during his administration.

 

Tour Information

Visitors can only enter The Oaks through a free, ranger-led tour.Tours are available by reservation only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at:

• 9:30 AM
• 10:30 AM
• 1:30 PM
• 2:30 PM
• 3:30 PM

To protect the structure and ensure a high-quality visitor experience, tours are limited to:

• 15 adult visitors
• 10 youth visitors
• Maximum of 25 people per tour

All tours begin on the front porch of The Oaks, located at 1200 West Montgomery Road. The first floor is wheelchair accessible.

Parking and Directions

Visitors parking next to The Oaks at 1200 West Montgomery Road. Parking is also available in the Kellogg Center parking deck on Tuskegee University’s campus, which is closer to the George Washington Carver Museum. The distance between the two buildings is approximately 0.3 mile on foot.

What to Expect

Guided by a National Park Service ranger, the 30-minute tour takes guests through the first and second floors of the house, featuring original furnishings, period artifacts, and personal items from the Washington family. Each room offers a deeper look into Washington’s family life, leadership, and legacy at Tuskegee Institute and beyond.

Please note:

• Tours begin on the front porch and last approximately 30 minutes.
• Only the first floor is wheelchair accessible.
• There are no public restrooms at The Oaks.