Alexandria in Rapides Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback
Governor P. B. S. Pinchback (1837-1921) was the son of a white planter and a former slave. He was born in Georgia and reared in Mississippi. During the Civil War and after the fall of New Orleans, Pinchback recruited the first set of Black volunteer soldiers for the Union Army in Louisiana known as the 1st Louisiana Native Guards, and he served as its first Captain. After the war, he served as Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor and became the first African-American Governor of Louisiana. He served as governor for a brief period from 1872-1873 during the Reconstruction period and was later elected by the La. Legislature as U. S. Senator. Even after Reconstruction formally ended in 1877, Pinchback remained influential in state politics and persuaded Governor Francis T. Nicholls to include language in the state constitution of 1879 to create Southern University. Pinchback later served on the board of this institution of higher learning that had been created for African-Americans. Pinchback resided for a short time in Alexandria in 1872-1873.
Two nationally-known governors are also closely connected to Rapides Parish. Governor Earl Kemp Long
lived on Hill Street in Alexandria from 1954 to 1956. Governor James Houston "Jimmie" Davis began his international performance career on the steps of the Alexandria City Hall in the early 1920's.Erected by City of Alexandria, Louisiana - Poste Des Rapides.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics.
Location. 31° 18.683′ N, 92° 26.621′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Louisiana, in Rapides Parish. Marker is at the intersection of Johnson Street and Second Street, on the left when traveling north on Johnson Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alexandria LA 71301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alexander Fulton Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Rapides Parish Governors (within shouting distance of this marker); Post-Civil War Alexandria (within shouting distance of this marker); Commercial Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexandria (within shouting distance of this marker); City Of Alexandria Post Des Rapides (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rotary Club of Alexandria, Louisiana (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Rapides Bank Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 219 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.