Frederick Douglass
Awards & Honours
2
Awards Won
6
Honours
2
Rankings
3
Covers
3
Records
Frederick Douglass's achievements are historic in scale. He was the first African American nominated for Vice President of the United States, in 1872, and the first African American confirmed to a Senate-confirmed position when he became U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia in 1877. His autobiography, Narrative of the Life, has never gone out of print and is considered one of the most influential works of the 19th century. He was the most photographed American of his era, with over 160 distinct portraits. In 2006, The Atlantic ranked him number one on its list of the 100 Greatest Americans of the 20th Century. His speeches continue to be studied and quoted, and his birthday is celebrated annually as Frederick Douglass Day across the United States.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Congressional Gold Medal
Awarded posthumously for contributions to abolition and civil rights.
Statue in the U.S. Capitol
First statue of an African American in Emancipation Hall.
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
His home, Cedar Hill in Washington, D.C., designated a National Historic Site.
Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge
Bridge in Washington, D.C., renamed in his honor.
U.S. Postal Service Commemorative Stamp
Stamp issued in 1967 and again in 1995.
Honorary Degree
Honorary degree awarded for his contributions to abolition and education.
Rankings & Lists
100 Greatest Americans of the 20th Century
100 Most Influential Americans
Magazine Covers
Time
July 7, 1941
Frederick Douglass
Life
February 20, 1950
Frederick Douglass
Smithsonian
February 2018
Frederick Douglass: The Original Civil Rights Activist
Records & Feats
First African American nominated for Vice President
In 1872, Douglass was nominated for Vice President on the Equal Rights Party ticket, the first African American to receive a vice-presidential nomination.
First African American confirmed to a Senate-confirmed position
Appointed U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia in 1877, Douglass was the first African American to be confirmed by the Senate.
Most photographed American of the 19th century
With over 160 distinct portraits, Douglass was the most photographed American of his time.