Dixwell in New Haven in South Central Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
"King" William Lanson
Born 1782-1783?
Died May 1851
Photographed by Conrad Ward, April 30, 2025
1. "King" William Lanson Marker
Slavery existed in Connecticut to 1848. Willliam Lanson was a Freeman in New Haven, a city of 800 Freeman. He was a master builder, widely respected for his leadership in the community.
With others he founded the Temple Street Church, now known as Dixwell Congregational. He was in the leadership of a petition campaign to the Connecticut General Assembly for the vote for Freeman. The slogan was "no taxation without representation." He was appointed by the abolitionist Mayor James Hillhouse to lengthen Long Wharf Pier so large vessels could unload at the dock. In 1825, he was elected Black Governor of the State of Connecticut, extending assistance to the impoverished Black community. He was then hired to build the New Haven section of the Farmington Canal which would allow New Haven products to be sent by sail to Massachusetts.
William Lanson was a leading member of the New Haven Committee for a National Campaign to establish the first Negro college in the United States which was voted down in a Town meeting. He initiated a petition campaign to the Connecticut General Assembly for a jury trial on behalf of fugitive slaves.
He built the Liberian Hotel on Wooster Square which he owned. This Hotel served as a refuge for runaway slaves, and travelling Black workers. He owned several properties
this page online
Erected 2020 by The Amistad Committee, Inc. and the City of New Haven Connecticut; Dana King, Sculptor.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.
Location. 41° 18.922′ N, 72° 55.611′ W. Marker is in New Haven in South Central Region, Connecticut. It is in Dixwell. It is at the intersection of Canal Street and Lock Street, on the right when traveling west on Canal Street. Located next to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail surrounded by the campus of Yale University. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 Canal St, New Haven CT 06511, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Connecticut River Valley and on the Connecticut Shoreline. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Haven County and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Theodore Dwight Woolsey (within shouting distance of this marker); Walter Camp (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Noah Lane Farnham (about 400 feet away); John Gamble Kirkwood
Photographed by Conrad Ward, May 21, 2025
2. "King" William Lanson Marker
Also see . . .
1. William Lanson (Wikipedia). (Submitted on May 9, 2026.)
2. New Haven and Northampton Canal (Farmington Canal) - Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 9, 2026.)
Photographed by Conrad Ward, April 30, 2025
3. "King" William Lanson Sculpture
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2026, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 9, 2026, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
