The 1898 Coup in Wilmington, North Carolina

In 1898, Wilmington, North Carolina, witnessed an event that defies the common labels of “civil unrest” or “riot.” What happened was a carefully planned and executed coup that violently removed a legitimately elected, multiracial government. This remains the only successful coup in United States history. Understanding this event sheds light on how democracy can be dismantled when it challenges entrenched power, and how language can be used to erase responsibility for such acts.

The Coup That Ended Reconstruction

What Happened in Wilmington in 1898

Wilmington was a thriving city with a diverse population and a government that reflected this diversity. African Americans held elected positions and participated actively in civic life. This political power threatened white supremacists who wanted to restore and maintain control.

In November 1898, a group of white supremacists organized a violent overthrow of the city government. They used intimidation, propaganda, and coordinated violence to force elected officials out of office. The coup included burning the office of a Black-owned newspaper and killing dozens of Black residents. The white supremacists then installed their own leaders, effectively ending Black political participation in Wilmington for decades.

How the Coup Was Planned and Executed

This was not a spontaneous riot or chaotic unrest. The coup was the result of months of planning by white supremacist leaders who aimed to regain political control. They spread false narratives through newspapers, portraying Black citizens and their allies as dangerous and unfit to govern. This propaganda created fear and justified the use of violence.

The group mobilized armed men who marched into Wilmington, confronting and intimidating Black residents and white allies. They seized control of key institutions, including the city government and police force. The coup leaders then rewrote the city’s political landscape, disenfranchising Black voters and suppressing opposition.

The Role of Language in Erasing Responsibility

After the coup, newspapers and textbooks often described the event as “civil unrest” or a “race riot.” These terms suggest chaos and mutual violence, which obscures the reality of a deliberate, one-sided overthrow. This language helped white supremacists avoid accountability and allowed the narrative to support their version of legitimacy.

By calling it unrest, the media framed the victims as troublemakers rather than targets of a political attack. This sanitized version of history has influenced how generations understand the event, minimizing its significance and the brutality involved.

Why Understanding Wilmington Matters Today

The Wilmington coup is a critical example of how democracy can be dismantled through violence and manipulation when it threatens existing power structures. It highlights the dangers of propaganda and the importance of truthful historical narratives.

This event also connects to the broader history of Reconstruction’s aftermath, where efforts to build an inclusive democracy were met with violent resistance. The coup foreshadowed voter suppression tactics and racial violence that persisted well into the 20th century.

Recognizing the Wilmington coup helps explain why violence has been used repeatedly to resolve political disputes in American history. It reminds us that democracy requires constant vigilance and that language shapes how history is remembered and understood.

Lessons from Wilmington for Today’s Democracy

• Vigilance Against Propaganda

False narratives can justify violence and undermine democracy. It is essential to critically evaluate information and recognize attempts to manipulate public opinion.

• Protecting Voting Rights

The coup led to widespread voter suppression. Ensuring fair access to voting remains a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.

• Acknowledging Historical Truths

Honest history education helps prevent the erasure of injustices and supports efforts to build a more equitable society.

• Recognizing the Power of Narrative

How events are described influences public perception and policy. Challenging sanitized or misleading language is necessary to hold perpetrators accountable.

-Smart Brown Girl