Georgetown in Georgetown County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Joseph Hayne Rainey
1832 - 1887
| | The first African American to serve in the United States House of Representatives | |
Born to slave parents in 1837, Joseph escaped to Bermuda during the Civil War. After, he returned to Georgetown and became a Republican delegate to South Carolina's 1868 constitutional convention and was later elected to the state senate. In 1870, he was seated in the U.S. Congress and was re-elected to four consecutive terms representing the 1st Congressional District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 33° 22.087′ N, 79° 17.162′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, South Carolina, in Georgetown County. It is at the intersection of Front Street and King Street, on the right when traveling east on Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 929 Front St, Georgetown SC 29440, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South Carolina’s Pee Dee and on Waccamaw Neck. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Joseph H. Rainey House (a few steps from this marker); City of Georgetown (a few steps from this marker); Landing of Lafayette (within shouting distance of this marker); The Charters of Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker); 24 Pound Naval Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); 923 Front Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 926 Front Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Kaminski House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 28, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
