First Colored Senators and Representatives

This historic Currier and Ives print from 1872 captures a pivotal moment in American history—the first African American leaders to serve in the United States Congress. This artwork powerfully documents these groundbreaking legislators who helped shape the nation during the Reconstruction era (1865-1877), a transformative period following the Civil War when African Americans gained citizenship rights and political representation for the first time.

The Reconstruction era was America's first effort toward achieving racial equality. During this time, the federal government focused on reintegrating the Confederate states while safeguarding the rights of formerly enslaved individuals. The 41st Congress (1869-1871) and the 42nd Congress (1871-1873) played key roles in passing important civil rights legislation and establishing public education systems throughout the South.

Featured in the poster are the following African American history-makers:

Hiram Revels: First African American U.S. Senator, representing Mississippi in 1870-1871. A minister and educator, Revels filled the Senate seat previously held by Jefferson Davis, the former Confederate president. Before entering politics, he served as a chaplain in the Union Army during the Civil War and helped organize African American regiments. He later became the first president of Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Alcorn State University), demonstrating his lifelong commitment to the education and advancement of African Americans.

Joseph Rainey: First African American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives (1870-1879), representing South Carolina. Born into slavery, he became a prominent businessman before his groundbreaking political career. During the Civil War, he was conscripted by the Confederacy to work on fortifications but escaped with his wife to Bermuda, where he established a successful barbering business. Upon returning to South Carolina, he served the longest tenure of any African American in Congress during Reconstruction and was a fierce advocate for civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1875.

Robert B. Elliott: Representative from South Carolina (1871-1874). A brilliant lawyer, Elliott delivered powerful speeches supporting civil rights legislation and served as South Carolina's Attorney General. His most famous speech, delivered in support of the Civil Rights Act of 1875, demonstrated his exceptional oratorical skills and deep legal knowledge. He was also a newspaper editor and served as a colonel in the state militia, contributing to South Carolina's political and social landscape in multiple ways.

Benjamin Turner: Representative from Alabama (1871-1873). Born enslaved, Turner became a successful businessman and champion for education reform and economic opportunities for freed people. Despite receiving no formal education while enslaved, he taught himself to read and write. After emancipation, he built a successful business empire in Selma, Alabama, including a livery stable, sawmill, and ice house, employing many formerly enslaved people and advocating for their economic independence.

Robert DeLarge: Representative from South Carolina (1871-1873). At just 28 years old when elected, DeLarge fought for civil rights and economic opportunities for formerly enslaved people. Born into a family of free people of color in Aiken, South Carolina, he received an education and became a successful farmer. He served as chair of the Ways and Means Committee in the South Carolina House of Representatives before his election to Congress, where he advocated for land distribution to formerly enslaved people.

Josiah Walls: Representative from Florida (1871-1876). Born into slavery in Virginia, Walls served in the Union Army and later became a successful farmer before entering politics. After moving to Florida, he established himself as a successful farmer and teacher. Despite facing multiple challenges to his electoral victories and being unseated twice due to racist opposition, he persisted in his political career and later established a successful farming operation in Alachua County.

Jefferson Long: Representative from Georgia (1871). The first African American from Georgia to serve in Congress and a successful businessman who advocated for civil rights. As a formerly enslaved person who became a successful tailor in Macon, Georgia, Long was known for his powerful speaking abilities and courage in facing white supremacist opposition. His only speech on the House floor was a passionate defense against a bill that would have removed political restrictions on former Confederates.

This 24" x 18" print features high-quality imaging on poster paper, making this significant historical artwork both accessible and impactful. 

Perfect for homes, offices, schools, or any space where Black excellence and American history are celebrated, it serves as both a powerful educational tool and an inspiring piece of wall art.