He built New Haven's Long Wharf, but do we remember William Lanson?

New Haven's William Lanson stood in direct contradiction to every prejudice that existed about black people in early nineteenth-century America. He was forward-thinking, entrepreneurial, community-minded and wealthy. He owned a contracting business, many properties and a livery stable, and he encouraged home ownership and industry among the members of his community. Lanson, who imagined a future without a color line, was ready and able to think outside the box of American slavery--even more ready, it seems, than the state where he lived.  next >>