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Pinckney Benton Stewart Pinchback was an important figure in American history. Pinchback is most famously known for becoming the first African American to serve as governor of a U.S. state, specifically Louisiana. Born on May 10, 1837, he rose to prominence during the Reconstruction era, serving as acting governor of Louisiana in 1872 after a disputed election. Although he only served as governor for a brief period of about 35 days, Pinchback’s leadership symbolized the potential for African Americans to hold political power in a deeply divided post-Civil War South. Beyond his authoritative role, he was also a soldier during the Civil War, a civil rights advocate, and an influential figure in the Reconstruction movement, making significant contributions to both African American political engagement and the broader societal transformation of the time.

In 2023, a historic step was taken to honor Pinchback’s legacy when Louisiana State Senator Ed Price passed Senate Bill 21 to rename the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development building in Baton Rouge after him. The bill acknowledges his achievements during the Reconstruction era and his lasting impact on Louisiana’s political landscape. By naming a prominent state building after Pinchback, the state not only honors his legacy as the first African American governor but also celebrates his enduring contributions to the civil rights movement and the push for equality during a pivotal time in American history.

The Pinchback Building itself was designed by famed Louisiana architect A. Hays Town. Known for using concrete as a prominent aspect of his commercial designs, Town designed the Pinchback building to fit the site while retaining the existing landscape. The large colored windows have since been upgraded, but were typical elements of Town’s work. The building is described as “a handsome study in modernism” in the A. Hays Town nomination for the National Register of Historic Places.