‘We need to learn from it;’ Wilmington marks 127 years since 1898 coup and massacre

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) —  This week, a number of events are planned to commemorate the 1898 Coup and massacre in Wilmington which took place 127 years ago. Following an election, a mob of 2,000 white men overthrew Wilmington’s mixed government on November 10, 1898.

The shooting first began around 11 a.m. at the intersection of North Fourth and Harnett Streets, starting a wave of deadly violence where some people ran into the surrounding swamps of escape for danger.

Properties and homes Black citizens built were destroyed.

Linda Thompson with the New Hanover County’s office of civic engagement said it’s important to reflect on this part of our history and learn from it.

“My prayer is that people won’t just say well ‘why do they keep talking about it?’ but that people will say we need to learn from it and become better because of it,” Thompson said.

With Republican and populist city officials forced to resign it was the only successful coup in U.S. history.