Introduction: In his book After Slavery: The Negro in South Carolina During Reconstruction, 1861-1877, Joel Williamson's argued that white opposition in South Carolina to the idea of providing an education for freed slaves persisted throughout the Reconstruction period (p. 213). This activity will guide students as they look for evidence supporting this argument as it related to Augusta County, Virginia.

Introduce the topic to students. During this introduction share the Williamson argument relating to white attitudes about African American education during the Reconstruction. This introduction may include having students express their current understanding of the history of public schools in America. Additionally, having students read the section relating to this lesson in Williamson's book may be helpful.

Have students search the the Valley of the Shadow and a University of Virginia class (HIUS 403" Digital History and the American Civil War") project on the Freedman's Bureau for evidence to write their essay. If students are unable to search the Valley of the Shadow due to time restrictions the following documents and information may be used to write the essay.

Students should write a short essay in response to the following question. What was the level of support among whites in Augusta County, Virginia for the of education for African Americans during Reconstruction?