James Forten, Sr. House / Charlotte Forten House

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Neighborhood:Center City

Address:
336 Lombard St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Significance:
African American leader and businessman James Forten, Sr., (1766-1842) and his wife, Charlotte Vandine Forten (1786-1886), purchased this large home in 1806. It served as a family home for almost 90 years. James was born to free parents in Philadelphia, and employed both white and black workers in his sail-making business, located at 95 Wharf Street. He was also a noted pamphleteer, abolitionist, and president and founder of the American Reform Society. Charlotte was a founding member of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society.

Type of Historic Resource:dwelling

Philadelphia Historic District:Society Hill Historic District (3/10/1999; 334-38 Lombard St.)

Historical Marker:PA Historical Marker (1990)

Text of Historical Marker:
A wealthy sailmaker who employed multi-racial craftsmen, Forten was a leader of the African-American community in Philadelphia and a champion of reform causes. The American Antislavery Society was organized in his house here in 1833.