Daniel Alexander Payne
Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Born a free African-American. He taught the Colored people at this college, 1837, while a student at the Lutheran Seminary. A historian, he was elected bishop of the A.M.E. Church, 1852, and was president of Wilberforce University, 1863-76.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Born free in Charleston at a time when education for Black Americans was often outlawed, Daniel Alexander Payne became one of the 19th century's most influential Black religious leaders. While studying at Gettysburg's Lutheran Seminary in 1837 he also taught here at the college, and he went on to be elected a bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1852 and to lead Wilberforce University, one of the first colleges owned and run by African Americans.
Why it matters
Payne devoted his life to the twin causes of Black education and an independent Black church, institutions that sustained African American communities through slavery, war, and Reconstruction.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Ticket to the Past - Unforgettable Journeys0.2 mi away · 35 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA
- The David Wills House Museum0.3 mi away · 8 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA
- Gettysburg Museum of History0.5 mi away · 219 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Beyond the Battle Museum0.5 mi away · 625 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg, PA
- Adams County Historical Society0.5 mi away · 625 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg, PA
- Shriver House Museum0.6 mi away · 309 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA
Attractions
- John Eisenhower Bridge3.1 mi away · Waterworks Road
- Sachs Covered Bridge3.4 mi away
- Sachs Covered Bridge3.4 mi away · Waterworks Road, Gettysburg, PA
Food & drink
- CJ's Takeout & Late Nite Bites0.1 mi away · 150 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Tacos Monarca0.2 mi away · 11 West Railroad Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Lincoln Diner0.2 mi away · 32 Carlisle Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Waldo's & Company0.2 mi away · 17 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA
- Mamma's Ventura Lounge0.2 mi away · 13 Chambersburg Street, Gettysburg, PA
- The Gettysburger Co.0.2 mi away · 35 Chambersburg Street, Gettysburg, PA
Places to stay
- Glatfelter Lodge0.1 mi away · PA
- The Union Hotel0.2 mi away · 27 Chambersburg Street, Gettysburg, PA
- Gettysburg Hotel0.3 mi away · 1 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA
- The Inn at Lincoln Square0.3 mi away · 12 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, PA
- The Brafferton Inn0.3 mi away · 44 York Street, Gettysburg, PA
- The LaVerne Private Guesthouse0.3 mi away · 27 York Street, Gettysburg, PA
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Related people
- · Daniel Alexander Payne
Related events
- · Presidency of Wilberforce University (1863–76)
Themes & tags
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