Image: Anthony Bowen

Description: Anthony Bowen (1805-1872), born enslaved in Prince George's County, Maryland, was a resident of Washington, D.C. from 1826 until his death. After earning his freedom in 1830, Bowen became the first African-American employee of the United States Patent Office. He was an abolitionist who harbored runaway slaves at his home on the 900 block of E Street SW, a stop on the Underground Railroad (the site is now covered by the Southeast-Southwest Freeway). In 1853, he founded the first YMCA chapter for African-Americans. That organization constructed the Twelfth Street YMCA Building in 1908, later renamed the Anthony Bowen YMCA and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994 (the new Anthony Bowen YMCA facility is located at 1325 W Street NW). Bowen assisted in founding the St. Paul AME Church and a Sunday Evening School in 1856, allowing both groups to meet in his home. During the Civil War, Bowen encouraged President Abraham Lincoln to enlist African-American soldiers.
Title: Anthony Bowen
Credit: University of Minnesota Libraries, courtesy of the Kautz Family YMCA Archives Photo Collection
Author: Unknown authorUnknown author
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No