Horace King Bridge Builder

Born a slave on September 8, 1807, Horace King became a noted builder of covered bridges and public buildings. His talents developed under the instruction of his master and friend, John Godwin. In 1846, Godwin secured King’s freedom through the Alabama Legislature. King used the Town lattice truss design on bridges throughout the South. With his sons, he built at least four bridges across the Chattahoochee River in Troup County. King served two terms in the Alabama Legislature before moving to LaGrange in 1873. He lived with his family in the King Street area, which was named for King and son Marshall. King died May 28, 1885 and is buried near the Confederate Cemetery on Miller Street.

LaGrange, Georgia · United States