A Lifetime of Service
George Washington Carver worked at Tuskegee Institute for 47 years, from his arrival in October 1896 until his death on January 5, 1943. He never left, despite receiving numerous offers from other institutions and industries.
His dedication to Tuskegee and its mission of uplifting African Americans through education made it his permanent home for nearly half a century.
47
Years at Tuskegee
1896
Year Arrived
1943
Year of Death
44
Bulletins Published
Offers He Declined
Carver turned down many lucrative opportunities to remain at Tuskegee:
- Thomas Edison: Offered a six-figure salary to work at his laboratory
- Henry Ford: Invited Carver to join his research facilities
- Various universities: Offered higher-paying professorships
- Commercial companies: Wanted to hire him for product development
He stayed because he believed his mission was to help poor Southern farmers, not to pursue wealth or prestige.
Key Milestones at Tuskegee
- 1896: Arrived to lead the Agriculture Department
- 1906: Created the Jesup Agricultural Wagon
- 1916: Published famous peanut bulletin
- 1921: Testified before Congress on peanuts
- 1940: Donated life savings to establish Carver Foundation
- 1943: Died on campus at Tuskegee