Peachtree Street Tour

Laura Spelman Rockefeller

1824 — 1891
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Spelman College was named in this philanthropist's honor...

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Laura Celestia Spelman Rockefeller
​Laura Spelman Rockefeller was an American educator and philanthropist who was the wife of John D. Rockefeller. She is also the namesake of Spelman College in Atlanta.

Both of Spelman’s parents were active in social causes; her father, a wealthy businessman, was an abolitionist involved in the Underground Railroad, and her mother supported the temperance movement. In 1859, Laura began working as a teacher in Cleveland, and three years later she became an assistant principal. In 1862 she began a relationship with Rockefeller, a former classmate, and the couple shared a strong involvement in the church. They married in 1864 and eventually had four daughters, one of whom died very young, and a son, John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
​Laura and her husband were devoted to philanthropy, and in 1884 they began contributing to an Atlanta seminary for African American women that eventually became Spelman College. Laura also continued to be active in the church. However, her health began to fail in the early 20th century, and by 1910 she was largely bedridden. She suffered a fatal heart attack in 1915 at the Rockefeller estate in Pocantico Hills, New York. Three years later her husband created the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial, which was involved in education and social welfare, among other issues. It later became part of the Rockefeller Foundation.

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica
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Women of Distinction Tour ​created by ATLsherpa

Helping you connect with ATL's past, present and future. Stay curious and keep exploring!
Complimentary Newsletter
Laura Celestia Spelman Rockefeller
Laura Celestia Spelman September 9, 1839
John D. Rockefeller in 1885
Rockefeller Hall, 1895
The Story of Laura Spelman Rockefeller (Atlanta Stories)

How & Where to Connect

The connections to Laura Spelman Rockefeller are Spelman College, Rockefeller Hall and Laura Spelman Hall. Instructions for finding the college and these buildings are provided below.
​​SPELMAN COLLEGE was founded in 1881 as the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary by Harriet E. Giles and Sophia B. Packard, two white New England missionaries who recognized the need for higher educational opportunities for African American women in the South. In 1884, John D. Rockefeller donated the funds necessary for the purchase of nine acres of land west of downtown Atlanta for the school's campus. The institution was subsequently renamed Spelman Seminary in honor of Rockefeller's wife. In 1924, the name of the institution changed again to Spelman College to reflect its status as a liberal arts college. Today, Spelman is part of the Atlanta University Center, a consortium of African American institutions of higher education in Atlanta. Source: Atlanta History Center
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Spelman College in Atlanta was named after Laura Spelman Rockefeller

Getting there...

Rockefeller Hall and Laura Spelman Hall are located on the Spelman College campus. Buildings #15 and #20 on this Campus Map.

PLEASE NOTE: Spelman College is a private institution. You should make arrangements to visit the campus by contacting the Welcome Center.

Spelman College
350 Spelman Lane SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
​Driving Directions | Google Map

Don't miss...

While you're there, be sure to visit:
  • ​Atlanta University Center
  • Spelman College Historical Marker (Georgia Historical Society)

Learn more...

  • ​​Laura Spelman Rockefeller Biography (Rockefeller Archive Center)
  • Spelman College History​
  • Spelman Celebrates the Legacy of Life Trustee Laura Rockefeller Chasin (Spelman College)
  • John D. Rockefeller Biography (PBS)
  • Rockefeller Hall Renovation (Winter Construction)
  • Laura Spelman Hall Renovation (Winter Construction)
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  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Interactive Map
  • Tour Stops
    • Story of Peachtree Street
    • Historical Timeline
    • Terminus: Zero Mile Post
    • Early Atlanta
    • Whitehall Street
    • Five Points
    • Lower Peachtree Street
    • Candler Building
    • Winecoff Hotel
    • The "Stitch"
    • Fox Theater District
    • Midtown-Colony Square
    • First Church of Christ Scientist
    • Woodruff Arts Center
  • Explore More
    • Atlanta Freedom Trail
    • Black Leaders of ATL
    • KnowATL Dashboard
    • Microsoft / Quarry Yards
    • MLK Historical Park
    • Sweet Auburn
    • Women of Distinction