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Biography · Business & Enterprise

Cal Johnson

1844–1925

United States

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Biography

Caldonia (or Calvin) Fackler Johnson (October 14, 1844 – April 7, 1925) was an American businessman and philanthropist, active primarily in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into slavery, he rose to become a prominent Knoxville racetrack and saloon owner, and by the time of his death, was one of the wealthiest African-American businessmen in the state. He also owned several thoroughbred racehorses, one of which captured a world speed record in 1893.

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Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

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