In her upcoming book, They Stole a City: Wilmington's White Supremacist Coup and the Families Who Live With Its Legacy, journalist Lauren Collins details the violent overthrow of Wilmington, North Carolina's multi-racial government in 1898. The event, often overlooked in U.S. history, is described as the only successful coup in American history.
Core Facts
The coup, led by white supremacists, resulted in the deaths of dozens of Black residents and the expulsion of the city's elected officials. The McKinley administration refused to intervene, emboldening similar movements nationwide. Collins' book extends the timeline of the event, examining its roots in Reconstruction and its consequences into the 20th century, including the passage of voting restrictions that disenfranchised Black citizens.
Deeper Context
Collins, a Wilmington native, grew up unaware of the city's dark history. Her research uncovered the roles of local figures, including Col. Walker Taylor and Rev. Peyton Harrison Hoge, both celebrated white supremacists. The book focuses on the intergenerational impact of the coup, tracing how families passed down the trauma and resilience of the event.
Local Reckoning
While some institutions, like Wilmington's First Presbyterian Church, have begun addressing their historical ties to white supremacy, the city as a whole has been slower to confront its past. Collins' work aims to educate the public about the coup and its enduring effects on American democracy.
Educational Efforts
Cedric Harrison, a local historian, leads tours and talks to ensure the story is not forgotten. He emphasizes education as the first step toward reconciliation, quoting an elder: "If you knew better, you do better."