The Reconstruction Ku Klux Klan in York County, South Carolina, 1865-1877

Very concise and insightful account of a turbulent era by the late historian.

I DO FAMILY TREES AND MEMBERS OF FAMILY WAS IN THIS BOOK,LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT HISTORY OF S.CAROLINA AFTER THE WAR,

Some readers may well wonder, what was nationally significant about just one county in the South that it should warrant a book? Well, my native county of York was the place where Klan intimidation and violence reached its high water mark for the entire South, as so ably documented in Allen Trelease's classix and exhaustive study, WHITE TERROR. Such was its importance that Trelease devoted an entire chapter of his book (mostly given to a chapter by chapter recouting of the status of the Klan in each state) on York County. Jerry West's excellent book takes the search for the history of the Klan in that county far beyond what Trelease did. Using the Yorkville Enquirer, manuscript sources, and trial transcripts from the trial of Klansmen, Mr. West provdes a level of detail that makes this unfortunate period live again in all of its infamy.For an organization whose members wore shrouds and attempted to hide their identity, their is a surprising level of detail available on who they were and the breadth of their activities. The author ably documents the tapestry of violence woven across the county, bringing normal life to standstill. The York County Klan became so large in terms of membership and thus powerful that even those Whites who were ready to speak and act against it could not do so for fear of losing their lives. An excellent work which should be on the bookshelf of all who are interested in the post-Civil War era.

Excellent work. Mr. West has written a well researched unbiased account of the problems in York County South Carolina during reconstruction. I highly recommend this book.