The 1868 St. Bernard Parish Massacre: Blood in the Cane Fields

by C. Dier

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781439663028
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	07/31/2020
Series:	True Crime
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	131
Sales rank:	705,821
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 9

Introduction 11

1 Colonization 15

2 Antebellum 34

3 Escalation 52

4 Culmination 66

5 Devastation 77

6 Ramification 85

7 Deconstruction 93

8 Recollection 108

Notes 125

Index 137

About the Author 141

Editorial Reviews

"Although most known for its world-class fishing and seafood, St. Bernard Parish is also rich in history. Historian and Chalmette High School teacher Chris Dier has long been fascinated by the past, but one story in particular captured his attention -- the 1868 massacre in the local cane fields.

In fact, his interest and passion in the event culminate in the release of his new book, "The 1868 St. Bernard Parish Massacre - Blood in the Cane Fields." Published by the History Press, the book chronicles the history of St. Bernard, beginning with the arrival of the Canary Islanders in 1778." Times-Picayune

From the Publisher