Mobile in Mobile County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Joseph (Joe) N. Langan
1912 - 2004
After graduating from Murphy High School and attending Spring Hill College, Langan launched his public service career in 1938 with his election to the state legislature. In 1940 he was called to active duty with the Alabama National Guard. During World War II he served as chief of staff for the 8th U.S. Army Area Command in the South Pacific. After the war he returned to Mobile and his private law practice and served again in the legislature. He was recalled to military service for two years during the Korean War.
In 1953 he won a seat on the city commission and served until 1969. As mayor, while on the city commission, he led the campaign for expansion of Mobile's western boundaries, increasing the city's size from 33 square miles to over 160 square miles. He strengthened relations between Mobile's black and white communities, and in partnership with his friend John L. LeFlore supported African Americans' quest for economic, political, and social equality.
Erected 2010 by the City of Mobile.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Government & Politics • War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.
Location. 30° 41.421′ N, 88° 3.359′ W. Marker is in Mobile, Alabama, in Mobile County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Spring Hill Avenue and North Broad Street. Located within Unity Point Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile AL 36604, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John L. LeFlore (a few steps from this marker); Mobile City Hospital (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); U.S. Marine Hospital (about 500 feet away); Vivian Malone Jones (about 800 feet away); Caldwell School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Protestant Children's Home (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Convent of Mercy (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Louis Street Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mobile.
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia article on Joseph Langan. (Submitted on December 12, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. A Encyclopedia of Alabama article on Joseph Langan. (Submitted on December 12, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 623 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 12, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.