The historical development of Tougaloo College in Mississippi, beginning with its inception in 1869, is examined. The founding body of the college was the American Missionary Association, which responded to the educational needs of the newly emancipated blacks immediately following the end of the Civil War. The account begins with a history of the formation of the American Missionary Association, in part through the efforts of Lewis and Arthur Tappan, who were well-known abolitionists. The battle to survive and be effective at Tougaloo reflects the shifts and changes in the attitudes of those in control of the political, social, and economic affairs of both the state of Mississippi and the American Missionary Association. Topics that are covered include: Tougaloo's first acknowledged president, religion and temperance, health and health services, finances and public relations during the administrations of Pope and Woodworth, campus expansion, from mission school to accredited college, the utilities revolution, depression and war, racial climate, racial discrimination in high places, outreach, Beittel and civil rights, and the college's impact. (SW)