James Forten, Sailmaker | Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia

James Forten's wealth, prosperity, and prominence in Philadelphia stemmed from his ownership of a successful sailmaking company located on the upper floor of a warehouse near the city’s wharves.
Forten became one of a small number of Black business owners in Philadelphia when he took over the sailmaking company of Robert Bridges in 1798. The sailmaking business remained under Forten’s ownership until his death in 1842 when two of his sons took over the operation. James Forten took pride in his business. His success allowed him the opportunity to carve out a place for himself in Philadelphia as a father, community leader, and abolitionist.
Watch as Dr. Tyler Putman, Senior Manager of Gallery Interpretation, discusses Forten's work as a sailmaker and the 18th-century sailmaking business from the partial recreation of Forten's sail loft in the Museum's special exhibit, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia.