Wilmington massacre

Quick Facts: Who was Wilmington massacre?

Subject:

Wilmington massacre

Known for:

The 1898 coup d'état and massacre by white supremacists in Wilmington, NC.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Wilmington massacre, also known as the Wilmington insurrection or the Wilmington coup, was a municipal-level coup d'état and a massacre that was carried out by white supremacists in Wilmington, North Carolina, United States, on Thursday, November 10, 1898. The white press in Wilmington originally described the event as a race riot perpetrated by a mob of black people. In studies beginning in 2016, the event has been characterized as terrorism and a violent overthrow of a duly elected government by white supremacists.

Career & Major Achievements

The state's white Southern Democrats conspired to lead a mob of 2,000 white men to overthrow the legitimately elected Fusionist biracial government in Wilmington. They expelled opposition black and white political leaders from the city, destroyed the property and businesses of black citizens built up since the American Civil War, including the only black newspaper in the city.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

They killed at least 14 black people; estimates of the actual toll run from 60 to more than 300. Many leaders of the coup remained important figures in North Carolina politics, some into the 1920s.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1898: 1898 Milestone — The Wilmington massacre, also known as the Wilmington insurrection or the Wilmington coup, was a municipal-level coup d'état and a massacre that was carried out by white supremacists in Wilmington, North Carolina, United States, on Thursday, November 10, 1898.
2. 2016: 2016 Milestone — In studies beginning in 2016, the event has been characterized as terrorism and a violent overthrow of a duly elected government by white supremacists.

Notable Quotes by Wilmington massacre

“The white press in Wilmington originally described the event as a race riot perpetrated by a mob of black people.” (1898)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Wilmington massacre

True or False: “The white press in Wilmington initially characterized the 1898 event as a spontaneous race riot perpetrated by black people.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Historical studies now characterize the event as an organized coup d'état and act of terrorism by white supremacists, not a spontaneous riot.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Luthuli — Historical peer (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Alexander Calder — Historical peer (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering American sculptor celebrated for kinetic mobiles and monumental abstract forms.
• Abbas Kiarostami — Historical peer (Died in 2016) (2016): Master Iranian filmmaker known for blending fiction and documentary styles.
• Agnes Nixon — Historical peer (Died in 2016) (2016): Pioneering soap opera writer and producer, creator of 'One Life to Live' and 'All My Children'.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wilmington massacre