# Atlanta University

> historically Black university in Atlanta, Georgia, USA (1865-1988)

**Wikidata**: [Q63887403](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q63887403)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atlanta-university

## Summary
Atlanta University was a historically Black university located in Atlanta, Georgia, operating from 1865 until its dissolution in 1988. Founded by the American Missionary Association with assistance from the Freedmen's Bureau, the institution was eventually replaced by Clark Atlanta University. It served as a significant educational hub within the Atlanta University Center.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: Founded in 1865.
- **Dissolution**: Dissolved, abolished, or demolished on July 1, 1988.
- **Location**: Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
- **Coordinates**: 33.75224200134005, -84.41132526895626.
- **Founders**: Established by the American Missionary Association and the United States Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands (assistant).
- **Successor**: Replaced by Clark Atlanta University effective July 1, 1988.
- **Affiliations**: Affiliated with Clark College and the Atlanta University Center (affiliation began in 1929).
- **Archives**: Materials are held at the Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center.
- **Classification**: Historically Black university; subclass of university and school.
- **Aliases**: AU.
- **Identifiers**: 
  - GNIS Feature ID: 310661
  - GeoNames ID: 4180484
  - FAST ID: 515053
  - VIAF IDs: 160747610, 4962162669419655500004
  - ISNI: 0000000123138019, 0000000123095215
  - Library of Congress Authority ID: n50059951
  - Bibliothèque nationale de France ID: 118713335
- **References**: Described in *Women of Distinction: Remarkable in Works and Invincible in Character*.

## FAQs
### Q: When was Atlanta University active?
A: Atlanta University was active for over 120 years, from its founding in 1865 until its dissolution on July 1, 1988.

### Q: Who founded Atlanta University?
A: The university was founded by the American Missionary Association, with the United States Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands serving as an assistant founder.

### Q: What entity replaced Atlanta University?
A: Atlanta University was replaced by Clark Atlanta University on July 1, 1988.

### Q: What was the relationship between Atlanta University and Clark College?
A: Atlanta University was affiliated with Clark College and both were part of the Atlanta University Center consortium, which began in 1929.

### Q: Where are the archives for Atlanta University located?
A: The archives for Atlanta University are located at the Robert W. Woodruff Library within the Atlanta University Center.

## Why It Matters
Atlanta University represents a foundational pillar in the history of African American higher education in the United States. Established immediately following the Civil War in 1865, it provided critical educational opportunities to freedmen through the support of missionary societies and the federal Freedmen's Bureau. Its long-standing operation and eventual merger to form Clark Atlanta University underscore its enduring legacy in producing scholarship and fostering Black intellectual life. The institution's role within the Atlanta University Center helped create a unique consortium that amplified resources and opportunities for Black students in the South.

## Notable For
- **Historical Founding**: Established in 1865, making it one of the earliest institutions of higher learning for African Americans after the Civil War.
- **Consortium Membership**: A key member of the Atlanta University Center, a collaborative arrangement dating back to 1929.
- **Merger**: Notable for its consolidation with Clark College to create the unified Clark Atlanta University.
- **Archival Holdings**: Maintains a significant collection of historical records at the Robert W. Woodruff Library.

## Body

### History and Founding
Atlanta University was established in 1865 by the American Missionary Association, with assistance provided by the United States Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands. It operated as a private, historically Black university in Atlanta, Georgia, until 1988. The institution is documented in sources such as *Women of Distinction: Remarkable in Works and Invincible in Character*. On July 1, 1988, the university was dissolved, abolished, or demolished, and it was formally replaced by Clark Atlanta University.

### Location and Geography
The university was situated in Atlanta, Georgia, within the United States. Its precise geographical coordinates are 33.75224200134005 latitude and -84.41132526895626 longitude. The location is further identified by the GeoNames ID 4180484 and the GNIS Feature ID 310661.

### Affiliations and Consortiums
Atlanta University was deeply integrated into the academic network of Atlanta through its affiliations. It was affiliated with Clark College and was a member of the Atlanta University Center, with this affiliation starting in 1929. This consortium structure allowed for shared resources and collaborative governance among the participating institutions.

### Archives and Libraries
The historical records and archives of Atlanta University are preserved at the Robert W. Woodruff Library, which is part of the Atlanta University Center. This library serves as the custodian for the university's legacy documents and scholarly output.

### Identifiers and Classification
The entity is classified under multiple taxonomies, including "university," "school," and "historically Black university." It is recognized by a wide array of international and national authority identifiers:
- **Library Standards**: Library of Congress Authority ID (`n50059951`), Bibliothèque nationale de France ID (`118713335`), and Canadiana Name Authority ID (`ncf12086660`).
- **Global Research**: ISNI (`0000000123138019`, `0000000123095215`), VIAF (`160747610`, `4962162669419655500004`), and CINII Research ID (`1140845216552563968`).
- **Archival Systems**: SNAC ARK ID (`w6129xpc`), Yale Lux ID (`group/0dccc7b2-b53c-405c-89c7-d72350d7d706`), and SHARE VDE 1.0 Author ID (`1643879`).
- **Subject Headings**: FAST ID (`515053`), IDREF (`026470853`), and DPLA Subject Term (`Atlanta University`).
- **Other Identifiers**: NACIS CAT Author ID (`DA10421446`), Libraries Australia ID (`35009900`), and National Library of Israel J9U ID (`987007601460605171`).

### Academic Context
As an academic institution, Atlanta University fell under the broader class of "university," defined as an academic institution for higher education. It contributed to the fields of higher education and research, consistent with the global model of universities, while maintaining a specific focus on the education of Black students during a pivotal era in American history.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. IdRef
3. [Source](https://iiif.lib.harvard.edu/manifests/view/drs:493993448$1i)
4. SNAC
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. Share Virtual Discovery Environment 1.0
7. CiNii Research
8. [Trove](http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-788613)
9. [Source](http://www.cau.edu/about/cau-history.html)