Wilmington Coup of 1898

Watching the events unfold at the U.S. Capital last week, I was reminded of the coup that occurred in Wilmington, N.C. in November, 1898. Despite the violence and bloodshed – and death – that occurred during the coup, it hasn’t been taught much in schools. Here are some useful resources to learn more about it.

UNC Alum David Zucchino’s 2020 book Wilmington’s Lie is a great resource:

Zucchino, David. Wilmington’s Lie: The Murderous Coup of 1898 and the Rise of White Supremacy. Atlantic Monthly Press, 2020. Available at UNC (for UNC students, staff, faculty only):

• Print
• Audio
• Kindle ebook

The 2015 film Wilmington on Fire is available to the UNC community!

Everett, Christopher, and Larry R. Thomas. Wilmington on Fire. Speller Street Films, 2015.

Articles

• LaFrance, Adrienne and Vann R. Newkirk II. “The Lost History of an American Coup D’État.” The Atlantic. Aug. 12, 2017.
• Crain, Caleb. “What a White-Supremacist Coup Looks Like.” (Book Review) New Yorker. April 20, 2020.
• Dukes, M. Tyler. “More than 100 years ago, NC’s largest city grappled with its own insurrection” News & Observer. Jan. 11, 2021.

Interviews / Podcasts

• Cornish, Audie and Brianna Scott. “Capitol Hill Riot Echoes Wilmington Coup Of 1898.” Consider This from NPR. Jan. 8, 2021.
• Davies, Dave. “Interview with David Zucchino.” Fresh Air, National Public Radio Jan. 13, 2020.
• Rose, Deondra. “Political Extremists: From Capitol Hill To Wilmington.” WUNC Politics Podcast. Jan. 12, 2021.

Related Resources

• UNC Wilmington Libraries. “The Wilmington Coup D’état of 1898.”
• UNC-Chapel Hill Libraries. The North Carolina Election of 1898.
• 1898 Wilmington Race Riot Commission. 1898 Wilmington Race Riot Commission. 2006.