Horace King | |
|---|---|
&sq=Qlik&lang=&file=File:Horace_King_circa_1855.jpg) Horace King during the mid-19th century | |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives | |
| In office 1868–1872 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 8, 1807 Chesterfield County, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | May 28, 1885 (aged 77) Lagrange, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Occupation | Architect, engineer, contractor |
Horace King (sometimes Horace Godwin) (September 8, 1807 – May 28, 1885) was an African-American architect, engineer, and bridge builder.[1] King is considered the most respected bridge builder of the 19th century Deep South, constructing dozens of bridges in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi.[2] King was born into slavery on a South Carolina plantation in 1807. A slave trader sold him to a man who saw something special in Horace King. His enslaver, John Godwin, taught King to read and write as well as how to build at a time when it was illegal to teach enslaved people. King worked hard, and despite bondage, racial prejudice, and many obstacles, he focused on working hard and being a genuinely good man. King built bridges, warehouses, homes, and churches. Horace King became a highly accomplished Master Builder and emerged from the Civil War as a legislator in the State of Alabama. Affectionately known as Horace "The Bridge Builder" King and the "Prince of Bridge Builders", he also served his community in many important civic capacities."[3]
- ^ Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia , Horace King Historical Marker Archived September 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, retrieved November 3, 2007.
- ^ The New Georgia Encyclopedia, "Horace King (1807-1885)", retrieved November 3, 2007.
- ^ J. David Dameron, Horace King: From Slave to Master Builder and Legislator, Southeast Research Publishing, LLC, 2017.