Ellenton Massacre Kills 30–100 Black People in South Carolina

Beginning September 16–19, 1876, in Aiken County, South Carolina, white rifle clubs pursued Black men through swamps for several days following a minor altercation, killing between 30 and 100 people. Among the dead was Simon Coker, a Black state legislator shot while surrendering. Two white men were killed. The massacre was part of the coordinated 1876 Rifle Club campaign that 'redeemed' South Carolina for the Democrats. Federal troops arrived but the killing had largely ended. No prosecutions resulted. The Ellenton and Hamburg massacres together effectively ended Reconstruction in South Carolina.