LAGRANGE, Ga. –(Aug. 6, 2024)– A central figure in the Mulberry Street Cemetery Project is Horace King, a renowned African-Americanarchitect and bridge builder, who is interred at the cemetery alongside his son, Marshal. The restoration project will honor King’s legacy while also recognizing unmarked graves, restoring the landscape, implementing education elements for community engagement and showcasing regional and local history.
Horace King was born into slavery on Sept.8, 1807, in the Chesterfield district of S.C. His life took a pivotal turn in 1830 when he and his family were purchased as enslaved people by John Godwin. In 1832,the Godwin family, including the King family, relocated to the Girard, Ala. area, now known as Phenix City.
King’s architectural prowess emerged between 1838 and 1840 when he supervised the construction of Godwin’s toll bridges across the Chattahoochee River at West Point, Eufaula and Florence, Ga. His marriage in 1839 to Frances Gould Thomas, an emancipatedBlack woman, ensured their children would be born free.
By 1846, with the support of Godwin, Robert Jemison and William Wright, King gained his freedom through the Alabama legislature. He then embarked on a prolific career, designing and constructing significant bridges across Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi, including the notable Moore’s Bridge, which crossed the Chattahoochee River in Whitesburg, Ga.,and the Oconee River bridge in Milledgeville, Ga.
King’s contributions extended beyond bridge-building. He played a crucial role in the construction of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, where his carpentry skills were showcased in the elegant circular staircases. He also served two terms in the Alabama House of Representatives, from 1870 to 1874, illustrating his commitment to public service and the betterment of his community.
In 1873, Horace King built the Wehadkee Covered Bridge in Troup County, Ga. Although the original bridge was destroyed by a flash flood in 1886, King’s son, George, reconstructed it in 1890 using his father’s preferred method, the sophisticated Town Lattice-Truss design. This bridge, a testament to the King family’s engineering brilliance, was returned to Troup Countyin 2022and wasplaced adjacent to the King burial site within the Mulberry Street Cemetery.
After the death of his first wife, Frances, in 1864, King remarried Sarah Jane Jones McManus in 1865. Horace King’s legacy was carried on by his children, who maintained a strong connection to LaGrange. His sons, including George and John Thomas, who extended the family’s architectural influence, are also significant figures in LaGrange’s history. King’s other children,Washington, Marshal Ney and Annie Elizabeth, contributed to the community in various capacities, solidifying the family’s impact on the region.
The August 6thBlessing Ceremony, commencement of the restoration of Mulberry Street Cemeteryand the 2022 relocation of the Wehadkee Creek Bridge, symbolize a deep respect for Horace King’s enduring legacy.For more information on the Mulberry Street Cemetery project, please visit www.mulberrystreetcemetery.org.
About Mulberry Street Cemetery
Mulberry Street Cemetery, located in LaGrange, Ga., is a historic burial ground with a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century. The cemetery is the final resting place of notable figuresincluding Horace King, a pioneering African-American architect and bridge builder. The cemetery is currently undergoing a major revitalization project aimed at preserving its historical significance. This initiative includes honoring unmarked graves, implementing comprehensive public education elements, beautifying the landscape, showcasing regional and local history and creating a vibrant public space for community engagement. Mulberry Street Cemetery stands as a testament to the community’s commitment tohonoring its past while enriching its present and future.
About LaGrange
Located an hour south of Atlanta, the city of LaGrange’s Southern charm, rich history and sunny green spaces make this West Central Georgia community shine. A lovely downtown area is filled with unique shops and restaurants all within an easy walk from each other, making for a perfect easygoing weekend escape for families, couples or the solo traveler. Enjoy the city’s easygoing spirit while exploring musical venues, art museums, vintage boutiques, storied landmarks, restaurants and more, all connected by the Thread, a 29-mile lush greenway for biking, walking and running. For more information, please visitwww.visitlagrange.com. Follow @VisitLaGrange on Instagram and Twitter and connect on Facebook.com/VisitLaGrange for the latest news.
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