History’s Tallest African American

The Unyielding Spirit of “Bud” Rogan: History’s Tallest African American

​In the annals of medical history, only a handful of individuals have ever surpassed the towering height of eight feet. Among them, John William Rogan, affectionately known as “Bud,” remains one of the most remarkable figures. Born in 1868 in Sumner County, Tennessee, Rogan’s life was defined by a physical stature that gained him international recognition, yet his story is equally one of resilience and artistic independence.
​A Rapid Transformation
​Rogan’s life was typical of a post-Civil War youth until the age of 13. At that point, he experienced a sudden and aggressive growth spurt. This rapid physical expansion led to Ankylosis, a medical condition characterized by the stiffening and eventual fusion of the joints. For Rogan, the condition was so severe that it robbed him of his ability to stand or walk.
​However, Rogan refused to let his mobility issues confine him. Demonstrating remarkable ingenuity, he constructed a custom cart made from his own bed frame. This mobile platform, pulled by a team of goats, became his primary means of transportation throughout his hometown, allowing him to maintain a level of autonomy despite his physical limitations.
​Dignity Over Exploitation
​During the late 19th century, individuals with unique physical characteristics were often recruited by carnivals and “freak shows” for public exhibition. Despite his family’s financial struggles and his inability to perform traditional manual labor, Rogan consistently declined these offers. He chose to preserve his dignity rather than be treated as a spectacle.
​Instead, he turned to his creative talents. Rogan became a local fixture at the railway station, where he sold hand-drawn portraits and postcards of himself. His artwork was well-regarded, and several of his drawings were eventually published, providing him with a self-sufficient, though modest, source of income.
​A Record-Breaking Legacy
​John William Rogan’s final measurements were truly staggering. Shortly before the progression of his illness made standing impossible, he was recorded at 8 feet 6 inches. By the time of his passing in 1905, he measured 8 feet 9 inches (though often cited as 8’8″ in historical seating measurements).
​Despite his incredible height, he weighed only 175 pounds at the end of his life due to the toll of his condition. To this day, he remains the tallest African American ever recorded and the second-tallest human being in verified history, surpassed only by Robert Wadlow. His life stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming physical adversity.