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by Christopher M. Dier (Author)
The slaughter of newly liberated African Americans just days before a Reconstruction Era election is recounted in this true crime history.
Louisiana, 1868. With the Civil War over, a victorious Ulysses S. Grant was riding a wave of popularity straight to the White House. But former Confederates across the South feared what Reconstruction might look like under President Grant. Days before the tumultuous election, Louisiana's St. Bernard Parish descended into chaos.
As African American men gained the right to vote, white Democrats of the parish feared losing their majority. Armed groups mobilized to suppress these recently emancipated voters. Freed people were dragged from their homes and murdered in cold blood. Many fled to the cane fields to hide from their attackers. The reported number of those killed varies from 35 to 135. Though efforts were made to cover up the tragedy, its implications reverberated throughout the South and lingered for generations.
In this authoritative chronicle, historian Chris Dier reveals the horrifying true story behind the St. Bernard Parish Massacre.
Author Biography
Chris Dier was born in New Orleans and currently teaches history at Chalmette High School in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. After Hurricane Katrina, Dier was uprooted to Texas, where he finished high school and attended East Texas Baptist University. Dier received a BA in history from ETBU. After completion of his undergraduate degree, he moved back to his hometown and became an educator to follow in the footsteps of his mother. He continued his studies to earn an MA in education from the University of New Orleans and is currently obtaining an MEd in educational administration from UNO. He resides in St. Bernard Parish and has a keen interest in regional history.
