Booker T. Washington was a prominent African American educator, author, and advisor to multiple U.S. presidents in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the founder of the Tuskegee Institute, Washington was a leading advocate for Black education and economic self-reliance during the post-Reconstruction era. His efforts in social reform and education resonated with many progressive thinkers of his time, including those within the Gilder family’s circle. Booker T. Washington frequented Four Brooks Farm visiting the Gilders and his work and advocacy aligned with the social and political values held by Richard Watson Gilder and Helena de Kay Gilder. The Gilders supported causes that promoted social justice and educational advancement, making Washington an important figure in understanding the broader social context surrounding Four Brooks Farm and its legacy.