John Mercer Langston House
A National Historic Landmark
National Register Number: 75001464
Nomination Form
Location: 207 East College Street, City of Oberlin, Lorain County, Ohio.
Geographic Coordinates: 41.2913, -82.2098
Statement of Significance (as of designation - May 15, 1975):
From 1856 to 1867, this simple clapboard structure was the home of John
Mercer Lanston (1829-1897), the man who became the first Black American
elected to public office when he was elected township clerk in 1855. He
later served in the Freedman's Bureau and was first dean of the Howard
University Law School, U.S. Representative from Virginia (1890-91), and
Minister to Haiti.
Links: National Park Service and WikipediA about: The House and John Mercer
