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Birth
Booker T. Washington is born a slave on the Burroughs’ Plantation. -
The Civil War begins.
Washington’s name appears on Burroughs’ property inventory. His value is $400.00. -
The Civil War ends
Washington becomes one of the four million slaves to be emancipated. During the fall, Washington sets out for Malden, WV with his mother (Jane), and two siblings (brother, John and sister, Amanda) to start a new life with stepfather, Washington Ferguson. -
Leave Home
Washington leaves his home to attend the Hampton Institute. -
Graduate
Washington graduates from the Hampton Institute with honors. -
Teaching School
Washington teaches school, in his hometown of Malden, WV, while helping his brothers (John, and adopted brother James) pay their tuition for the Hampton Institute. -
Opens School
At age 25, Washington opens the Tuskegee Institute in an old church. -
Married
Washington marries his home-town sweetheart, from Malden, WV, Fannie Norton Smith. -
Atlanta Address
Washington delivers The Atlanta Address at the Cotton States and International Exposition, urging citizens of both races to work together toward social peace. -
Harvard
Washington is presented with an honorary degree from Harvard University.