Memphis Riot, 1866

Memphis Riot, 1866

In the late afternoon of May 1, 1866, long broiling tensions between the residents of southern Memphis, Tennessee erupted into a three day riot known as the Memphis Riot of 1866.  The riot began when a white police officer attempted to arrest a black ex-soldier and an...
Opelousas Massacre (1868)

Opelousas Massacre (1868)

The Opelousas Massacre occurred on September 28, 1868 in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. The event is also referred to as the Opelousas Riot by some historians. There is debate as to how many people were killed.  Conservative estimates made by contemporary...
The Colfax Massacre (1873)

The Colfax Massacre (1873)

The Colfax Massacre occurred on April 13, 1873. The battle-turned-massacre took place in the small town of Colfax, Louisiana as a clash between blacks and whites.  Three whites and an estimated 150 blacks died in the conflict. The massacre took place against the...
New Orleans Massacre (1866)

New Orleans Massacre (1866)

The New Orleans Massacre, also known as the New Orleans Race Riot, occurred on July 30, 1866.  While the riot was typical of numerous racial conflicts during Reconstruction, this incident had special significance. It galvanized national opposition to the moderate...