Georgetown in Georgetown County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Joseph Hayne Rainey

Photographed By J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008

1. Joseph Hayne Rainey Marker

Inscription. This National Historic Landmark was the family home of Joseph H. Rainey, the first African American elected to the US House of Representatives, 1870–1879. Born in Georgetown County in 1832, Rainey, it is said, made blockade-running trips during the Civil War. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1868, served two years in the SC Senate, and two years as internal revenue agent of SC. He died in Georgetown, SC, in 1887.

Erected 1994 by the Georgetown Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta. (Marker Number 22-37.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 33° 22.117′ N, 79° 17.033′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, South Carolina, in Georgetown County. Marker is on Prince Street east of King Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 909 Prince St, Georgetown SC 29440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rainey-Camlin House (within shouting distance of this marker); Methodists (about 400 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); 818 - 826 Front Street (about 500 feet away); James A. Bowley (about 600 feet away); William Doyle Morgan House (about 600 feet away); These Two Cannons (about 700 feet away); South Carolina's Third Oldest City (about 700 feet away); City of Georgetown (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.

Also see . . . Joseph H. Rainey House. (Submitted on May 1, 2008.)

Additional commentary.
1. Joseph H. Rainey
Thank you for posting the photo/inscription of the marker and the pictures of the Rainey-Camlin House in South Carolina. Although I have not yet been able to visit, I plan to do so this summer in order to connect more closely with this courageous man. When I was a little girl, I learned the achievements of my great-grandfather at the knee of his daughter.

For many years it was very difficult to find additional information from public avenues about him and I

Rainey–Camlin House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008

2. Rainey–Camlin House

had to rely on the oral history I had learned from her as well as family pictures and memorabilia. Now, with the advent of the Internet, I am rewarded many days with a new website offering more details about his Life and accomplishments. These additional bits are essential as I interweave them into the book I am writing about the Congressman and the legacy of our family as it relates to all Americans in our times.

I thank everyone for the warm reception I have enjoyed with my first novel Native Intelligence and I hope I can bring my passion for his story to Life in Almost A Hero to be published midsummer.

— Submitted May 5, 2008, by Lorna Rainey of Astoria, New York.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008

3. Rainey-Camlin House

Joseph Hayne Rainey image. Click for full size.

Painting by Simmie Knox, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives, 2004

4. Joseph Hayne Rainey

National Historic Landmark Tablet image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, January 20, 2008

5. National Historic Landmark Tablet

Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,035 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 1, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.