Founding of Fisk University in Nashville (1866–1867)

Fisk University originated as the Fisk Free Colored School, which opened in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 9, 1866, during the Reconstruction era. Founded by American Missionary Association members John Ogden, Erastus Milo Cravath, and Edward Parmelee Smith for the education of freedmen, the school was reorganized and incorporated as Fisk University in 1867 to focus on higher education.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. During the Reconstruction era, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation enabling free public education, which created a need to increase teacher training. Separately, the American Missionary Association's work was supported by the Congregationalist church, which retains an affiliation with Fisk.

Founding. The Fisk Free Colored School opened on January 9, 1866, shortly after the Civil War. It was founded by John Ogden, Erastus Milo Cravath, and Edward Parmelee Smith of the American Missionary Association. The school was named after Clinton Fisk, a Union general and assistant commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau of Tennessee.

Reorganization. In 1867, the Fisk Free Colored School was reorganized and incorporated as Fisk University to focus on higher education.

People involved

Sources

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