During the heyday of pedestrianism in the 19th century, Frank Hart firmly established himself as not only a trailblazing African American in that sport but also a formidable participant in major walking competitions across the United States.
Hart was born as Fred Hichborn in Haiti in 1856. As a teenager, he immigrated to the United States and settled in Boston. He initially worked as a grocery store clerk, but eventually focused instead on competing in pedestrian races to earn more money.
Hichborn renamed himself Frank Hart after becoming a professional walking competitor. At a time in which walking was the most heavily used mode of transportation for many Americans, Hart achieved considerable renown as a pedestrian athlete. His mentor was Daniel O’Leary, one of the era’s leading world champions in that sport. Hart, as a nod to both his own athletic accomplishments and his close ties with the Irish-born O’Leary, was nicknamed “Black Dan.”
Between 1879 and 1902, Hart took part in at least 63 six-day pedestrian races and won 16 of them. While cheered on by many for his performances in those races, Hart encountered a great deal of racism as well. Several fellow pedestrian athletes refused to associate with him, for example, and on one occasion a spectator threw pepper at him in the middle of a competition. Hart persevered, however, and became one of the first African American athletes to gain nationwide fame. His image was even widely featured on items such as trading cards.
Along with pursuing his career as a walking competitor, Hart played for various black baseball teams as both a shortstop and second baseman. He died in 1908.
Photo Credit: Public Domain
For more information on Frank Hart, please check out https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/hart-frank-black-dan-1859/
Transportation History 
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