Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
James Thomas Rapier
City of Florence Walk of Honor
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, July 13, 2009
1. James Thomas Rapier Marker
Lawyer and statesman James T. Rapier, a son of free African-American parents in Florence, holds the distinction of being just the second African-American from Alabama to be elected, in 1873, to the U.S. Congress.
Erected 2007 by City of Florence.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 34° 48.374′ N, 87° 37.884′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. Marker can be reached from Hightower Place south of Veterans Drive (Alabama Route 133), on the left when traveling south. Beginning with marker one, this marker is on pole 15 backside. It is one of 18 poles each has four sides that is located behind the Marriott Hotel in River Heritage Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Homer J. Givens (here, next to this marker); Samuel Cornelius Phillips (here, next to this marker); Maurice Causey (here, next to this marker); Doublehead, Cherokee Chief (here, next to this marker); William Burch (Billy) Reid (here, next to this marker); Rear Admiral Fran McKee
this page online
Also see . . .
1. James T. Rapier. James Thomas Rapier (November 13, 1837 – May 31, 1883) was a United States Representative from 1873 until 1875. He was one of Alabama's three black congressmen during Reconstruction. (Submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
2. BlackPast.Org Remembered & Reclaimed. Rapier, James Thomas (1837-1883) (Submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, March 22, 2010
2. Walk of Honor River Heritage Park
Credits. This page was last revised on March 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,513 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on March 29, 2023, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. Photos: 1. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 2. submitted on March 22, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
