From the Margins to the Spotlight: Restoring the Legacies of Gilded Age Black Men of Distinction

The Real History Behind The Gilded Age’s Black Characters: African American Journalists and Physicians Who Defied Racism

Throughout American history, the stories of African American achievement have been diminished, denied, or outright ignored by the mainstream historical record. When African Americans of distinction did make it into press, their coverage was often couched in racist and condescending language, designed to belittle rather than celebrate their accomplishments.

The main stream press distorted many African American achievements. The press rarely honored their accomplishments. Through TV representation their stories are being rescued and revived. There is little published or known about the affluent Black life at the end of the 19th Century. HBO’s The Gilded Age has been instrumental in exploring the nuanced realities of the lives of affluent African Americans in the late 19th century.

Two characters T. Thomas Fortune played by Sullivan Jones and Dr. William Kirkland played by Jordan Donica —offer a rare counterpoint to this tradition of erasure. Fortune is a real historical figure, one of the most respected African American journalists of his time. Kirkland is fictional, but his character draws upon the lives of several pioneering Black physicians, whose biographies remain largely unknown to the wider public. While there were a number African American physicians practicing in the U.S. from 1860-1890 many were froced find training in Canada and Europe.

T. Thomas Fortune (1856–1928), born into slavery in Florida, became the “Dean of Negro Journalists” and a leading voice against lynching, disenfranchisement, and segregation. Through his newspaper, the New York Age, Fortune championed civil rights, economic empowerment, and the dignity of African Americans during an era when white supremacy sought to crush both. In The Gilded Age, his depiction rings true, capturing both his intellectual vigor and his unshakable principles.

Dr. William Kirkland, though a fictional character, is rooted in historical precedent. His portrayal borrows elements from Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, who performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries and founded the nation’s first non-segregated hospital, and Dr. Alexander Thomas Augusta, the first African American faculty member at a U.S. medical school—Howard University’s College of Medicine in 1868—and the first African American to be appointed as a surgeon with the rank of Major in the U.S. Army during the Civil War. Augusta went on to head Freedmen’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., and became a key figure in training future generations of Black physicians. In the latter part of the 19th century, numerous African American physicians practiced in the United States, but many had been forced to obtain their medical training in Canada or Europe due to racial barriers at home.

This was also the era in which eugenics—a pseudoscientific, racially biased theory that sought to justify white supremacy—was gaining intellectual traction among America’s political, academic, and medical elite. Eugenicists argued that African Americans were biologically inferior, using flawed data and biased studies to rationalize segregation and limit access to professional advancement. In medicine, these beliefs had devastating effects:

• Hospital Privileges Denied: Black physicians were systematically excluded from admitting privileges at white hospitals, forcing them to work in underfunded Black-only institutions with fewer resources and lower pay.
• Professional Isolation: Organizations such as the American Medical Association barred Black doctors from membership, isolating them from the latest research and professional networks.
• Medical School Discrimination: Eugenics advocates lobbied to limit the number of Black students admitted to medical schools, claiming they were unfit for the profession.
• Public Distrust: White supremacist propaganda fueled mistrust of Black doctors among white patients, effectively closing off a large segment of potential clientele.

Despite these barriers, Black physicians persevered—founding their own hospitals, medical societies, and training programs, often at great personal and financial sacrifice. Their resilience laid the groundwork for later generations of African American medical professionals and civil rights activists.

In the late 19th century, when the mainstream press covered men like Fortune or Williams at all, it was often through a lens of exoticism, condescension, or suspicion. The accomplishments of Black physicians were particularly underreported, buried in medical journals or Black-owned newspapers with limited reach. Period dramas like The Gilded Age and The Knick begin to fill this gap, offering audiences glimpses into the lives of these men. But selective storytelling is not enough—these narratives should be told with full historical fidelity to the Black experience.

Bringing these biographies back into the American consciousness is more than an act of historical recovery—it’s a reclamation of truth. These men were not outliers or footnotes; they were leaders in the ongoing struggle for equality, role models for their communities, and innovators in their professions. Whether through fictionalized television dramas, documentary films, or biographical features, their stories deserve to be told in a way that honors both their achievements and the barriers they overcame.

The erasure of Black excellence was intentional. Restoring it must be deliberate. By rescuing these lives from the edge of oblivion, we tell a fuller, more honest American story—and remind ourselves that the Gilded Age was not gilded for everyone, but it was also not without its Black luminaries, fighting to shape the future. #GildedAge, #AmericanHistory, #BlackHistory, #HistoricalFiction, #CivilRightsHistory

Getaway to Charlottesville

Two Plantations and a Vineyard

Charlottesville, nestled in the heart of Virginia, is where history, beauty, and leisure converge, wrapped in Southern charm, and where life’s pace lets you savor every moment. I traveled by train from Washington, DC, to visit Monticello, Montpelier, and a local vineyard. As a tour guide, I’m always looking out for local weekend getaways from which I can create future tours. Travelers from all over the world come to Washington, and many want to see Monticello. The trip’s purpose was a reconnaissance mission mapping how to make it happen. I did it with some ease and, in the process, discovered Charlottesville to be a hub of historical sites and leisurely activities.  I spent two days visiting Monticello and Montpelier and lunched at Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard.

I boarded an Amtrak Silver Star at Union Station. Seated backward, I watched the landscape from my window. The Capitol’s Statue of Freedom slowly faded into the eastern sky, as the Washington and Jefferson Memorials appeared and disappeared as the train crossed the Potomac into the Old Dominion, transforming a suburban landscape into the countryside. My daily world receded, being pulled away for some welcomed rest and recreation.

I was glad I didn’t drive, opting instead for the leisurely journey by train. It’s convenient, affordable, and a comfortable way to cover the 120 miles. As I get older, I find myself favoring public transportation over driving, appreciating the ease and relaxation it offers. For those considering this trip, especially if you’re staying in Washington for more than a couple of days, an overnight visit to Charlottesville provides numerous opportunities. You can immerse yourself and the kids in American history and plantation life, enjoy lunch at a winery, or soak up the local color at one of the many great dining establishments.

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards

Hydrangea Walkway approach to the restaurant.

Pippin Hill is known for its exceptional menu, which emphasizes locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The cuisine is farm-to-table, reflecting the bounty of the surrounding region. The menu often includes fresh salads, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie boards, gourmet sandwiches, and entrees that highlight local meats and produce. The dishes are designed to complement the wines produced at the vineyard, offering a complete sensory experience that marries food and wine.

Pippin Hill produces a variety of wines, with a focus on grapes that thrive in Virginia’s climate, such as Viognier, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. They also produce sparkling wines, Petit Verdot, and Rosé. The Rosé at Pippin Hill is particularly well-regarded. It’s often described as crisp, refreshing, and balanced, with notes of red berries, citrus, and a hint of floral aroma. This Rosé is a perfect pairing for many of the dishes on their menu, especially during the warmer months, making it a favorite among visitors.

Monticello

Thomas Jefferson is best known for authoring the Declaration of Independence and serving as the third President of the United States, during which he orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase, significantly expanding U.S. territory. He is also celebrated for his contributions to the founding principles of American democracy and for founding the University of Virginia, reflecting his deep commitment to education and the intellectual growth of the nation.

Although I am critical of the enslavers, my observations from my visit to Monticello highlight its efforts to give voice to the enslaved experience. My lineage traces back to the enslaved at Mount Vernon, and I am an active member of the League of the Descendants of the Enslaved at Mount Vernon. Curious about the life of the enslaved, my primary purpose in visiting these presidential estates was to learn about their daily lives.

Monticello offers a variety of tours, from general highlights to specialized ones, including the “From Slavery to Freedom” tour that I participated in. This tour provided a deep dive into the Hemings family and the lives of other enslaved families. I was particularly moved by the wooden wall with the names of the enslaved carved into it. This installation serves as a poignant reminder of the individuals who contributed to the estate’s operations and maintenance, helping visitors and scholars alike recognize the integral role that these individuals played in the history of the plantation.

Monticello’s specialized tours aim to provide a fuller, more nuanced understanding of Thomas Jefferson’s contributions to the United States and the integral roles played by the people, both free and enslaved, who lived and worked at Monticello. Jefferson’s complex relationships with the enslaved individuals at Monticello offer a window into the contradictions that many founding fathers faced—espousing freedom and human rights while simultaneously participating in and benefiting from the institution of slavery. His legacy in this regard continues to prompt reevaluation and discussion about the moral foundations of America’s early leaders.

My takeaway is that Monticello sets a standard for memorializing the lives and contributions of the enslaved, a group that until recently was disregarded as insignificant to the American narrative. Monticello does much more to elevate their stories than other presidential historical institutions.

Montpelier

Montpelier, the historic plantation home of James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, is beautifully situated in the bucolic setting of Virginia’s Piedmont region, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The estate spans over 2,650 acres of rolling landscapes and dense forests, offering a picturesque glimpse into the past. This tranquil setting features expansive views of the surrounding countryside, marked by lush greenery and well-preserved 18th-century architectural structures. Visitors can explore the meticulously restored mansion, stroll through the heritage old-growth forests, and wander among the gardens that have been maintained to reflect the era of Madison’s occupancy. The serene natural environment and the historical depth of the plantation provide a vivid window into the early American republic and the complex legacy of one of its Founding Fathers.

Madison’s home, Montpelier, in Virginia, became a center of political discussion and development. Like Jefferson’s Monticello, Montpelier is now a place where visitors can learn not only about Madison’s life and contributions but also about the lives of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked there.

Secretary of State and President: As Secretary of State under President Jefferson, Madison supervised the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. Architect of the Constitution

Madison’s home, Montpelier, in Virginia, became a center of political discussion and development. Like Jefferson’s Monticello, Montpelier is now a place where visitors can learn not only about Madison’s life and contributions but also about the lives of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked there. James Madison, often referred to as the “Father of the Constitution,” was a complex figure whose character, personality, and vision had a profound impact on the formation of the United States. Madison was known for his intellectual rigor, meticulousness, and foresight. He was not particularly charismatic in the traditional sense; he was reserved, soft-spoken, and physically slight, but his intellectual prowess and ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively made him a formidable thinker and strategist.

Along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, Madison authored the Federalist Papers, a series of essays defending the proposed Constitution to the public. These papers remain some of the most important documents in American political theory, offering insight into the intentions of the framers and the theoretical foundation of the U.S. government. Recognizing the concerns of those wary of a too-powerful central government, Madison played a pivotal role in drafting the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.

A major takeaway from a visit to James Madison’s Montpelier would be a deeper understanding of the complex legacy of the “Father of the Constitution.” Visitors can explore how Madison’s profound contributions to the founding of the United States and the crafting of the Constitution coexist with his status as a slave owner. Montpelier offers insights into Madison’s political philosophies, his personal life, and the lives of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the estate.

The property has been meticulously restored to reflect its historical significance and includes exhibits that tell a fuller story of American history by incorporating the perspectives of the enslaved community. The site also engages with themes of constitutional democracy, civil rights, and the ongoing impact of slavery in America, making it a profoundly educational experience that connects past and present.

Three oustanding meals, dinner at The Local, Pippin Hill Lunch, and Riverside Lunch

h guide erxploring local weekend getaways, my recent trip from Washington, D.C., by train to visit Monticello, Montpelier, and the Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard was both a reconnaissance mission and a delightful journey through the area’s rich cultural landscape. Charlottesville is not only a hub of historical sites but also offers a myriad of leisurely activities, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide who seek an accessible yet enriching experience of America’s past. The blend of historical exploration at presidential estates and relaxing vineyard visits provides a comprehensive experience of both the historical depth and the natural beauty of this unique region.