Lynching Reaches Industrial Scale: Peak Years of the 1880s

The 1880s record the highest annual lynching counts in American history. By one accounting, more than 100 Black men are lynched per year throughout the decade. Victims are killed for voting, economic success, alleged crimes, or perceived social infractions. Most are tortured before death; bodies are mutilated and photographed. Local law enforcement routinely participates or stands aside. No lyncher is prosecuted in any Southern state.