Biotech and MCV District in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

First African Baptist Church

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 23, 2014

1. First African Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Tracing its roots to 1780 as the First Baptist Church, the First African Baptist Church was bought and organized by freedmen and slaves in 1841. The present building was erected on the same site in 1876. The establishment of First African Baptist Church led to the organization of other local black churches. In 1865, the site hosted the first Republican State Convention held in Virginia and Jefferson Davis's last speech as president of the Confederacy, and later a lecture by Booker T. Washington. The Rev. John Jasper, Henry “Box” Brown, and Maggie L. Walker were baptized at First African Baptist Church.

Erected 2014 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-106.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1780.

Location. 37° 32.304′ N, 77° 25.771′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Biotech and MCV District. Marker is at the intersection of East Broad Street (U.S. 250) and College Street, on the right when traveling west on East Broad Street. Touch for map.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is at or near this postal address: 310 College Street, Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named First African Baptist Church (here, next to this marker); Monumental Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Virginia Convention of 1788 (within shouting distance of this marker); Theatre Fire of December 26, 1811 (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Terrace (within shouting distance of this marker); Egyptian Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Philip's Way (about 300 feet away); Medical College of Virginia (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Also see . . .
1. First African Baptist Church. National Register of Historic Places (Submitted on November 12, 2021.)

2. First African Baptist Church History. (Submitted on November 12, 2021.)

East Broad St & College St image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 23, 2014

2. East Broad St & College St

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 23, 2014

3. East Broad St & College St

First African Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, November 23, 2014

4. First African Baptist Church

The African Church, Richmond, Va. image. Click for full size.

1865

5. The African Church, Richmond, Va.

Library of Congress [LC-B8184-34915]

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 910 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 24, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 5. submitted on April 20, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.