September 1874

The White League, a paramilitary organization formed in Louisiana in 1874, launched the Battle of Liberty Place on September 14, defeating Metropolitan Police and Black militia in New Orleans in an attempt to overthrow the Reconstruction government. Similar armed groups — the Red Shirts in SC, the White Line in Mississippi — used murder and intimidation to drive Black voters from elections across the South.

The White League defeated Metropolitan Police and Black militia in New Orleans on September 14, 1874, attempting to overthrow the Reconstruction government. Similar groups — the Red Shirts in SC, the White Line in Mississippi — used murder and intimidation to drive Black voters from elections across the South.

On September 14, 1874, approximately 3,500-5,000 White League members fought and defeated the Metropolitan Police and Black state militia in the Battle of Liberty Place in New Orleans, killing 27 defenders. The White League overthrew Republican Governor William Kellogg's government and held the city for three days until President Grant ordered federal troops to restore Kellogg. The brazen coup demonstrated that armed white supremacists could openly seize a state government.