Nov 12, 2024 Story by: Editor
The American Coup: Wilmington 1898 sheds light on a pivotal yet overlooked event in American history – a meticulously planned insurrection and violent race massacre that took place in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1898. This incident marks the only coup d’état in U.S. history, where self-described ‘white supremacists’ employed intimidation and violence to dismantle Black political and economic power, ultimately overthrowing Wilmington’s democratically-elected, multi-racial government. This event marks the only coup d’état in U.S. history.
The aftermath of the attack was devastating, with numerous Black residents killed and thousands more forcibly exiled. For years, the truth about the Wilmington coup was suppressed, but descendants and scholars have since worked tirelessly to uncover the facts. Today, many of these descendants, both Black and white, continue to seek the truth about this deliberately concealed chapter in American history.
The events leading up to the coup were complex and multifaceted. Wilmington, a city with a majority-Black population, had a thriving Black middle class, with many African Americans holding prominent positions in politics, business, and society. However, this progress was met with growing resentment from white Democrats, who felt threatened by the increasing political and economic power of Black Americans.
In 1898, a group of white supremacists, known as the “Secret Nine,” conspired to overthrow the Fusionist government, which was a coalition of Republicans and Populists. The coup was carried out on November 10, 1898, with a mob of 2,000 white men attacking Black residents, destroying property, and overthrowing the elected government.
The legacy of the Wilmington coup continues to impact American society today. It marked a turning point in post-Reconstruction North Carolina politics, leading to the disenfranchisement of African Americans and the establishment of Jim Crow laws. The event also highlights the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States.
During this attack, numerous Black residents were killed, and thousands more were forcibly exiled. For many years, the truth of what occurred in Wilmington was suppressed, but as time passed, descendants and scholars began to dig into the history. Today, many of those descendants—both Black and White—are on a quest to uncover the truth about this deliberately concealed chapter in history
Source: PBS
