The Reconstruction Legislators
One of the most important aspects of the Reconstruction period following the Civil War was the active participation of African-Americans (including thousands of former slaves) in the political, economic and social life of the South. During Reconstruction, some 2,000 African Americans held public office, from the local level all the way up to Congress. Hiram Revels, of Mississippi, was the first African-American elected to the U.S. Senate.; Joseph Rainey, the first in the House of Representatives.
One of the most important aspects of the Reconstruction period following the Civil War was the active participation of African-Americans (including thousands of former slaves) in the political, economic and social life of the South. During Reconstruction, some 2,000 African Americans held public office, from the local level all the way up to Congress. Hiram Revels, of Mississippi, was the first African-American elected to the U.S. Senate.; Joseph Rainey, the first in the House of Representatives.