Existing comment:
Callbox 7 - Vermont Ave and K St NW - Elizabeth Keckley
Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley (1818-1907), born into slavery in Virginia, was hired out as a seamstress. With money from clients, she bought her own and her son's freedom in 1855. She gained renown as a dressmaker after moving to Washington, where First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln became her frequent client and close friend. Keckley helped found organizations to assist formerly enslaved people, and later taught at Wilberforce University in Ohio. She rented rooms at various downtown addresses, including nearby 1509 L Street. |