Berea (Images of America)

In 1853, emancipationist Cassius M. Clay gave a portion of his land holdings in central Kentucky to Rev. John G. Fee. Together they had a vision of building a community for all people of the earth, regardless of race, color, creed, gender, or class. Berea College was founded in 1855 with the same principles in mind, becoming the first interracial and coeducational college in the South. By the 1920s, Berea was a popular stopping point for travelers driving the Dixie Highway, highlighted by the Boone Tavern, which opened in 1909. Images of America: Berea takes readers on a pictorial journey of Berea’s history, the growth of the college, and the flourishing artisan community with more than 200 images selected from the extensive Berea College Archives, private collections, and other sources.