Horace King - Bridge Builder of the South

Born: September 8, 1807, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, U.S.A.
Died: May 28, 1885, LaGrange, Georgia, U.S.A.

Horace King was a visionary builder whose skill, perseverance, and leadership turned him from an enslaved man into a celebrated architect and public servant.

King was born into slavery in South Carolina in 1807. When he was still a young boy, he was taken to Alabama and forced to work on a plantation. At age 30, his life shifted when he was purchased by a contractor named John Godwin. Godwin recognized King’s natural skill in building and put him to work as a construction apprentice. King quickly became known for his precision, creativity, and ability to design structures that were not only useful but also beautiful. Even though he was considered property, King’s reputation grew, and his skill set him apart in a field dominated by white men.

King’s most important early training came while working under the famous architect and bridge builder Ithiel Town. Town was known for his Federal and Greek Revival designs, as well as his inventive bridges. While apprenticing under Town, King learned advanced methods of bridge construction that would define his career. By 1832, Godwin won a contract to build a bridge across the Chattahoochee River, linking Columbus, Georgia, to Alabama. Historical accounts suggest King was heavily involved, possibly even working independently, as many skilled enslaved workers did at the time.

In 1846, King’s life changed again when contractor James L. W. Smith purchased him. Impressed by King’s work, Smith granted him his freedom. Finally able to own property, King set up his own business and became widely known as the “Bridge Builder King.” His bridges, churches, and public buildings could be found across the South. Among his greatest accomplishments were constructing the covered bridge over the Chattahoochee River, the longest in the world at that time, and designing the famous double spiral staircases inside the Alabama State Capitol, which remain a marvel of engineering today.

King was deeply inspired by the philosophy of the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, who believed buildings should be functional, beautiful, and long-lasting. King applied these principles to his work, balancing strength and elegance in every project. He also used his skills to serve African American communities by designing schools, churches, and even a courthouse, helping empower Black citizens during and after slavery.

Life as a free Black man in the South during the mid-1800s was complex. King became a landowner, businessman, and the father of five children. At one point, he even bought a young boy, John Stella Martin, an act that mirrored the practices of white enslavers. However, this was short-lived, and King eventually sold the boy, realizing the weight of such responsibility.

During the Civil War, King’s position was especially difficult. As a wealthy and skilled Black man, he was forced to work for the Confederacy, building defenses and ironclad ships to slow the Union Navy’s advance into Columbus, Georgia. Despite being conscripted, his work demonstrated the Confederacy’s dependence on the labor and expertise of free Black citizens, even as it fought to preserve slavery.

After the war, King continued to thrive. In 1870, he was elected as a Republican to the Alabama House of Representatives, serving four years. He focused on issues like education and civil rights, working to improve life for formerly enslaved people. His ability to transition from slavery to respected builder, businessman, and lawmaker speaks to his resilience and vision.

Horace King’s legacy has lived on long after his death in 1885. In 1976, he was inducted into the Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame, and in 2008 a historical marker was placed in his honor in Wetumpka, Alabama. His life and work have been featured in books, documentaries, and public television specials, such as the 2019 film Horace King: Bridge Builder. His staircases still stand in the Alabama State Capitol, and his bridges and buildings influenced construction across the South.

Horace King’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and transformation. Born enslaved, he rose to become a master builder, respected lawmaker, and community leader. His work continues to inspire those who believe in the power of creativity and determination to overcome even the greatest obstacles.

References:
“Horace King (1807-1885).” Black Past, blackpast.org/african-american-history/king-horace-1807-1885.
Jones, Brigette. “The Curious Life of Horace King.” Arabia Mountain, 1 Mar. 2024, arabiaalliance.org/field-notes/the-curious-life-of-horace-king.
The Story of Horace King, Slave-Turned-Architect .” Archinect, archinect.com/features/article/150142291/the-story-of-horace-king-slave-turned-architect.

Keywords:
Engineering, Civil Rights, Creativity, Perseverance, Freedom, Responsibility, Build Bridges to Unite, Make a Difference, STEAM

Explore ARTEFFECT projects about this Unsung Hero:
Horace King Artworks