Historical Marker: George Washington Julian

A political leader defined by his moral convictions, Julian (1817-1899) advocated for abolition, equal rights and land reform, during a period marked by slavery, Civil War, monopolies, and discrimination against blacks, immigrants, and women. As U.S. representative 1849-1851, he supported legislation providing for abolition and equal access to public lands. Julian, long-time Centerville resident, served as attorney in notable fugitive slave cases, 1850s. As U.S. representative 1861-1871, he demanded recognition of slavery as cause of Civil War and promoted rights of black freedmen; he proposed constitutional amendments granting suffrage regardless of race or sex, “equally, without any distinction or discrimination.”