1898: The Violent Taking of a Southern City
Dram Tree Books' Young Reader's Series of North Carolina History consists of short (32-64 pages on average), very visual and colorful books about the history of North Carolina, aimed at youths between ages 8-18. The idea is to introduce youngsters to the four centuries of great stories we have in North Carolina in a way that is fun, entertaining, and true. As an added bonus, as many adults enjoy the books as kids because they are a great way to learn about our history without having to commit to a thick "regular" history book!
In 1898, Wilmington, N.C. was a shining example of what a Southern city could be, with a thriving majority-Black population made up of not just laborers, but also a strong professional and middle class. But when the Fusion movement of the 1890s delivered big wins for Republican candidates across the state, Democrats began plotting to retake power - even if it meant violence to do it. It all came to a head in an insurrection on November 10, 1898, when armed white supremacists took to the streets. When it was over, hundreds of Blacks had been dispossessed and run out of town, a legally elected government had been overthrown in the only successful coup d’etat in U.S. history, and African Americans had been killed in the streets in untold numbers. This is that story.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR...Jack E. Fryar, Jr. has authored or edited more than thirty volumes of North Carolina and Cape Fear history. His historical specialty is colonial North Carolina, particularly during the seventeenth century. Jack has served as a United States Marine, worked as a broadcaster, freelance magazine writer, sports announcer, and book designer. He holds a Masters degree in History and another Masters in Teaching, and taught history in Wilmington, N.C.