Horace King (architect)

Horace King (sometimes Horace Godwin) (September 8, 1807 – May 28, 1885) was an African-American architect, engineer, and bridge builder. King is considered the most respected bridge builder of the 19th century Deep South, constructing dozens of bridges in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. King was born into slavery on a South Carolina plantation in 1807, and in 1830, he was sold to the contractor John Godwin, who taught King to read, write, and build despite prohibitions on teaching enslaved people. Between 1833 and 1846, he was a partner in Godwin's operation, building bridges, courthouses, and warehouses. King purchased his freedom in 1846 and embarked on a successful career as an independent builder, playing a major role in the construction of Alabama's State Capitol. He may have even purchased an enslaved person. During the Civil War, he was conscripted by Confederate authorities to build military structures, and contributed to the construction of some of the Confederacy's ironclads. After the end of the war, he continued his construction business, and spent two terms in the Alabama House of Representatives. Affectionately known as "Prince of Bridge Builders", he built bridges, warehouses, houses, and churches, and was known for his service to his community. He died in 1885, and passed on his business to his sons.