George L. Mabson to be honored with North Carolina Highway Historical Marker in Wilmington
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — George L. Mabson, one of the first African Americans licensed to practice law in North Carolina, will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker during a dedication ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The marker will be installed at the intersection of Market and 16th streets in Wilmington. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Hotel Ballast Wilmington.
Born in 1846, Mabson earned his legal education at Howard University. In 1871, he became one of the first African Americans approved to practice law in North Carolina after appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court for a law license. Following the departure of fellow attorney Thomas R. Warrick to Washington, D.C., Mabson became the first black lawyer to actively practice in North Carolina courts.
Beyond his legal career, Mabson played a prominent role in state politics during the Reconstruction era. He served in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1870 to 1872, the State Senate from 1872 to 1874, and participated in the state’s 1875 constitutional convention. He also held leadership roles in civic and community organizations, including the 1877 African American convention in Raleigh.
Mabson died in 1885.
The North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program, administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, recognizes people, places and events that have shaped the state’s history.
