The Foundation of the Peabody Tradition

The Peabody Education Fund, established in 1867 with a two million dollar endowment from philanthropist George Peabody, became a major force in the reestablishment of southern education after the Civil War. This study attempts to illuminate the aspirations and work of the Peabody Education Fund during the late nineteenth century. The focus of the book is the work of Peabody Normal College, the predecessor of George Peabody College. Although the Peabody Fund engaged in a number of educational endeavors, it ultimately made the training of teachers its main emphasis for assisting southern education. In refining this effort, the Fund adopted Peabody College as its central normal for the entire South and the lion's share of its revenue went to this institution. In fulfilling its role, Peabody College developed a respected program, attracted a highly qualified faculty for the time, drew students broadly from the southern region, and sent graduates throughout the South and beyond imbued with the Peabody tradition.