Perguruan Thawalib Padang Panjang has contributed greatly to the nation. The history of its establishment cannot be separated from Surau Jembatan Besi. To uncover this problem the authors conducted research under the title " Perguruan Thawalib Padang Panjang in the Perspective of Educational History 1912-1926". This research aims at revealing the history of Perguruan Thawalib Padang Panjang, and its work in education. it is qualitative research through library studies. After conducting research, it was revealed that Surau Jembatan Besi, is used to implement the traditional education system, turned into Thawalib Padang Panjang, It implements a modern education system. The modernization of education is motivated by the demands of the people who need a noble, intelligent, critical, skilled generation. The renewal efforts carried out is to encourage the students with critical thinking, independent in opinion and skilled the organization, implementing classical system education, establishing teacher handbooks, and developing curriculum. The main figure in the modernization of education in Thawalib Padang Panjang is Sheikh Abdul Karim Amrullah, a charismatic cleric who has been in touch with modernization movements in the Middle East.