Picking up where we left off in the last post, during Reconstruction the Black communities here in Williamson County encountered much resistance to this new normal. After years of fighting, destruction of property, and the death of numerous citizens, families of the county were just trying to find a way to survive. Many people accepted the newly found freedoms and stations granted to black men but many did not. Tensions started to rise between the races and on July 6, 1867, the streets of Franklin would become the scene of a deadly riot. The Colored League of Franklin was holding a rally in the square downtown. Many speakers were present in favor of the Republican policies of the time. Black US soldiers were armed but remained peaceful during the meeting. White citizens who favored the Democrat policies did not like seeing former slaves armed and or in uniform. When the Colored League members dismissed the Democrat speakers, tempers began to flare. A shot was fired into the group of black men and the crowd started to disperse. When it was over there were multiple casualties, most of which were black men shot in the back. The military had to be called in to Franklin afterwards to try and prevent further violence. This event set the stage for the very quick spread of the KKK. We will dive deeper into the Williamson County KKK roots next week. For more information about the Franklin Riots, please go down to the town square and read the historical marker.
Mint Juliet
- Nashville Union and American, Nashville, Tennessee, 18 Jul 1867, Thu, pg.3
