John Mercer Langston House facts for kids
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John Mercer Langston House
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Front of the Langston House, 1968 HABS photo
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | 207 E. College St., Oberlin, Ohio |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1855 |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001464 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 15, 1975 |
| Designated NHL | May 15, 1975 |
The John Mercer Langston House is a special old house in Oberlin, Ohio. It was built in 1855. This house was once home to John Mercer Langston (1829-1897). He was a very important person. Langston was a lawyer, an abolitionist (someone who worked to end slavery), and a diplomat. He also became a US Congressman. He was one of the first African Americans to be elected to public office in the United States. The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1975. This means it is a very important place in American history.
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About the Langston House
The John Mercer Langston House is in Oberlin, on East College Avenue. It is a two-story house made of wood. It has a roof that slopes down on two sides. The outside of the house is covered with clapboard siding.
The house was built in 1855. John Mercer Langston lived here from 1856 to 1867. Old photos show it had a porch with a Gothic Revival style. This style often has pointed arches and fancy details. The front entrance still has some Gothic elements. The porch you see today was added later, in the 1900s.
Who Was John Mercer Langston?
John Mercer Langston was born in 1829. His mother was a formerly enslaved woman. His father was her white owner. Langston grew up in Ohio. He went to Oberlin College. After college, he wanted to become a lawyer. However, law schools at that time did not accept African Americans. So, he studied law on his own. This was called "reading law."
Langston's Early Achievements
In 1855, Langston made history. He was elected as the town clerk in Brownhelm Township. This was the first time an African American was known to win an election in the United States. This was a huge step forward for civil rights.
Helping During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Langston played another important role. He helped recruit African Americans to join the Union army. These soldiers fought bravely for freedom.
Building a Legacy in Education
After the war, Langston continued to make a difference. He helped start the Howard University Law School. This school was created to train African American lawyers. Langston became its first dean. A dean is like the head of a college or a department. He worked hard to make sure more people had the chance to get a good education.
