<p>This week in 1890… the U.S. Congress seated John Mercer Langston, Virginia’s first African-American representative. A year and a half after the election was stolen from him, Langston won his appeal and began his short term in Congress. He was the first and last African-American Congressman from Virginia for more than 100 years.</p>

This week in 1890… the U.S. Congress seated John Mercer Langston, Virginia’s first African-American representative. A year and a half after the election was stolen from him, Langston won his appeal and began his short term in Congress. He was the first and last African-American Congressman from Virginia for more than 100 years.

Week of September 22: Virginia's first African-American member of congress

Sure, Virginia history includes big moments, big battles, and big names. But the richer history is full of smaller events occurring in the fullness of time. The disenfranchised, the nonconformists, and just regular people making Virginia history. Week in, week out. This Week in Virginia History explores those stories, curated by Nathan Moore and culled from the vast archives at Encyclopedia Virginia.

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Week of September 22: Virginia's first African-American member of congress

Week of September 22: Virginia's first African-American member of congress