The Ghosts of 1898

Last Friday, The News & Observer of Raleigh published a special 16-page feature on the Wilmington race riot of 1898. The report is entitled "The Ghosts of 1898."

Occurring in what was North Carolina's largest city, the riot was a successful attempt on the part of white supremacists to reverse the gains made by African Americans during Reconstruction. The riot marked the beginning of the "Jim Crow" era in North Carolina, ushered in a period of one-party rule and set the stage for many of the racial struggles that would grip North Carolina during the 20th century.

Written by Duke historian Timothy Tyson, the special report not only traces the history of the actual riots, but also explores the long-lasting impact of an event that has been forgotten by many longtime North Carolinians and is probably unknown to newer residents. Additionally, the report wrestles with the role that The News & Observer played in fostering the riots.