Enslaved Labor in College Agriculture and Maintenance
Many agricultural and land-grant universities depended on enslaved labor to operate their farms and maintain campus grounds. Enslaved workers planted crops, tended livestock, and provided essential upkeep, forming the backbone of these institutions’ daily functions. This reliance on forced labor extended well into the 19th century, especially at schools in the South and border states. Recent investigations highlight how even publicly funded universities were built and maintained by enslaved people. Explore NPR’s coverage of land-grant universities and slavery.
