March 1871
Events
- March 6, 1871Meridian Mississippi Massacre: 30 Black People Killed
On March 6, 1871, armed white men attacked a courthouse in Meridian, Mississippi during the trial of three Black men on speech charges, killing the Republican judge and two of the defendants. Over the following days, white mobs hunted Black leaders across the county, killing approximately 30 Black people including several Republican officeholders. The massacre drove Republican officeholders from the region and demonstrated the limits of federal protection.
- March 6, 1871Meridian Massacre: ~30 Black People Killed at Courthouse
On March 6, 1871, armed white men attacked a Meridian, MS courthouse during the trial of three Black men on speech charges, killing the Republican judge and two defendants. Over the following days mobs hunted Black leaders across the county, killing ~30 Black people including several Republican officeholders, and driving Republicans from the region.