Images of America: Alabama Series

Tuskegee, Alabama, is a significant historical site known for its contributions to African American achievement, including the establishment of the first law school in the state and the Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers, now Tuskegee University. The city is the birthplace of notable figures like Rosa Parks and Lionel Richie and played a crucial role in civil rights advancements, including landmark court cases for voting rights and education equality. However, it also faced challenges, notably the controversial medical experiment that marred its legacy.

The history of Sumter County, founded in 1832 on land from the Choctaw Indians, highlights the transformation of its economy from farming to cattle and timber due to challenges like the boll weevil. The county attracts hunters every November, drawn by its abundant deer population. Additionally, in the mid-20th century, ethnomusicologists, including the Lomax brothers, documented the rich heritage of African American folk music in the area, capturing the voices of local artists such as Vera Hall and Dock Reed.