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Washington Townsend, an Ohio State Pioneer

February 4, 2023

Washington Townsend, an Ohio State Pioneer

Washington Townsend

February is Black History Month, and this month we are highlighting the life of Washington Townsend, a man who escaped from slavery in Tennessee in 1860. He joined The Ohio State University as the first person of color employed on the University's staff. Following completion of Orton Hall in 1893, he was a constant and beloved figure in the Museum and Library building until his retirement.