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

by C. Dier

Overview

Author and historian Chris Dier reveals the horrifying true story behind the St. Bernard Parish Massacre.

As African American men gained the right to vote, white Democrats of St. Bernard Parish feared losing their majority. Armed groups mobilized to suppress these recently emancipated voters in the hopes of regaining a way of life turned upside down by the Civil War and Reconstruction. Days before the tumultuous presidential election of 1868, the parish descended into chaos. Freedpeople 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. The tragedy was hidden, but implications reverberated throughout the South and lingered for generations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781625858559
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	10/16/2017
Series:	True Crime
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	1,117,261
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

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