What southern state in 1860 had done the most to advance public education was?

In 1860, Virginia was the southern state that had done the most to advance public education. The state had established a system of public schools and made significant efforts to promote education for white children, although education for enslaved individuals was largely prohibited. Virginia's commitment to education included the establishment of a state university and various local educational initiatives, making it a leader in public education in the South at that time.