The Wilmington Massacre of 1898: America’s Only Successful Coup

When we think of coups, we often picture foreign governments being violently overthrown. But what if I told you that the only successful coup in U.S. history happened right here—on American soil?

In Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1898, a white supremacist mob overthrew the local government, murdered Black residents, and erased a thriving Black community—all to restore white political dominance.

This event wasn’t just a riot. It was a calculated, violent overthrow of democracy—and one that many history books barely mention.

Wilmington Before the Massacre: A Thriving Black Community

In the late 1800s, Wilmington was a symbol of Black progress. The city had a Black-majority population, and Black men held political office, owned businesses, and ran newspapers.

✅ Black politicians were elected in a fusion government with white Populists.

✅ Black businesses were thriving, with Black professionals leading industries.

✅ The Daily Record, a Black-owned newspaper, was one of the most influential Black publications in the country.

Wilmington was proof that Black Americans could thrive in politics and business—and that terrified white supremacists.

The Plot to Overthrow the Government

In 1898, white Southern Democrats launched a coordinated campaign to destroy Black political power in Wilmington.

📢 Racist Propaganda – White newspapers published false claims about Black men assaulting white women, a common tactic to incite racial violence.

🗳️ Election Manipulation – White supremacists used violence and voter suppression to steal the 1898 election, forcing Black residents from polling places.

🔫 Armed White Militias – The white supremacist group known as the Red Shirts marched through the city, planning to overthrow the government by force.

Their message was clear: Black progress would not be tolerated.

The Massacre: A Day of Terror

On November 10, 1898, the white mob carried out its plan.

🔴 They burned down The Daily Record, the Black-owned newspaper.

🔴 They murdered an estimated 60-300 Black residents (exact numbers remain unknown).

🔴 They forced Black officials to resign at gunpoint, replacing them with white supremacists.

🔴 They violently expelled hundreds of Black residents from the city.

By the end of the day, Wilmington was no longer a Black-majority city. The massacre permanently shifted power into white hands—and no one was ever held accountable.

The Aftermath: The Erasure of Black Political Power

The Wilmington Massacre wasn’t just about one city. It set the stage for the Jim Crow era, sending a clear message across the South:

🚫 Black political success would be met with violence.

🚫 Black votes would be suppressed by any means necessary.

🚫 Black wealth and influence could be wiped out overnight.

For decades, this event was intentionally left out of history books. White officials called it a “race riot,” blaming Black residents for their own massacre. But it wasn’t a riot—it was a coup.

Why This Still Matters Today

The Wilmington Massacre is a direct example of how systemic racism shaped American politics and economics.

🔹 Voter suppression is still a major issue, disproportionately affecting Black communities.

🔹 Black wealth destruction didn’t stop in 1898—similar attacks on Black prosperity happened in Tulsa (1921) and Rosewood (1923).

🔹 White supremacist violence is still used to intimidate Black political progress today.

History repeats itself when we don’t acknowledge it. Wilmington wasn’t just a tragic event—it was a deliberate attack on democracy.

The Fight for Truth and Justice

In recent years, historians and activists have worked to uncover the truth of the Wilmington Massacre, pushing for recognition, reparations, and justice. But many Americans still don’t know this history—because the system was designed to erase it.

It’s up to us to make sure that Wilmington is remembered—not as a footnote, but as a turning point in America’s long battle for racial justice.

💬 Let’s Talk:

Did you learn about the Wilmington Massacre in school? How do you see its impact in politics today? Drop your thoughts in the comments!