Wilmington, North Carolina’s history came under renewed focus with a detailed account of the 1898 white supremacist coup that violently dismantled a prosperous, racially integrated government. The incident remains the only successful coup in U.S. history and continues to shape local discussions on race and politics.
What Happened
On November 10, 1898, Wilmington—a city known for its progressive interracial political power-sharing between Black and white North Carolinians—was seized by a mob of white supremacists. According to historian and journalist Lauren Collins, whose new book “They Stole a City” explores this episode, armed white insurgents forcibly removed elected Black officials and white allies from power. The mob then unleashed a wave of violence, killing scores of Black residents and destroying Black-owned businesses and institutions in the city. This event was unprecedented as the only documented successful overthrow of a U.S. municipal government through white supremacist violence.
Key Facts
The book, written by The New Yorker’s Lauren Collins, provides the first comprehensive narrative of Wilmington’s coup. It highlights Wilmington’s status at the time as a thriving, integrated city where Black citizens held political office and shared local leadership roles with whites. The violent takeover involved coordinated efforts by white supremacist groups determined to restore exclusive white rule. The coup’s legacy is still deeply felt among families and communities in Wilmington. The book is set for release on July 14 by Penguin Press in multiple formats.
What This Means
This historical episode is crucial in understanding the roots of systemic racism and political disenfranchisement in the American South. For the residents of Wilmington and broader North Carolina, it illustrates how violent suppression shaped local governance and race relations for generations. Recognizing this event helps contextualize ongoing debates over racial equality, historical memory, and social justice in the region. It reminds the public and policymakers alike of the fragility of democratic institutions when confronted with extremist violence.
Moreover, revisiting this history emphasizes the need for confronting uncomfortable truths in U.S. history curricula and public discourse, which often overlook such profound racial conflicts. The story also serves as a powerful counterpoint to narratives that minimize or ignore white supremacist violence in America’s past, offering lessons about political power struggles and community resilience.
Background
Wilmington before the coup was a rare example of interracial political cooperation during a period of fierce racial segregation and Jim Crow laws in the South. The city’s multi-racial government was led by both Black and white officials who promoted civic progress and economic growth. However, white supremacist groups viewed this empowerment as a threat, culminating in the violent events that reversed Wilmington’s trajectory.
What Comes Next
The release of “They Stole a City” is expected to spark further public engagement through book talks, community discussions, and educational initiatives focused on Wilmington’s past. Local institutions such as the Latimer House Museum and Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington offer historical context and tours that reference this period. Greater awareness may influence efforts to address racial reconciliation and preserve accurate local history.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following sources:
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