Scope and Contents

William T. Fauntroy, Jr. WMATA collection measure 1.4 linear feet and dates from 1962 to 2001, with the bulk of the material dating from 1985 to 1992. The collection documents the development of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority through items acquired during and after Fauntroy's tenure as urban planner for the agency. The collection includes annual reports, newsletters, brochures, and photographs.

Biographical Note

William T. Fauntroy, Jr. was born on March 26, 1926 in the District of Columbia. Fauntroy attended John F. Cooke Elementary School, the Grimke Elementary School, Garnett-Patterson Junior High School, and earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in civil engineering from Howard University. While attending Howard he met and later married Ms. Camilla H. Bradford. From their union they have a son, Burllock B. Wells. They were married 61 years before Camilla Fauntroy passed away.

In 1961, Fauntroy became the first African American civil engineer hired by the National Capital Transportation Authority (NCTA), predecessor to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA). After NCTA was abolished and WMATA established, Mr. Fauntroy was promoted to urban planner for the portion of the subway system built in the District of Columbia. He retired from WMATA in November of 1984.

Prior to his career with WMATA, Fauntroy served in the Army Air Corps. After basic training at Keesler Field in Mississippi, he was assigned to Tuskegee Army Air Field for training as a single engine pilot. By the time he completed basic flight training WWII had ended, and he was discharged an aviation cadet on November 8, 1945.

Mr. Fauntroy, the older brother of the former DC delegate to the United States Congress, the Reverend Walter Fauntroy, is a lifetime member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (National Capital Section), the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and a member of New Bethel Baptist Church in Washington, DC.