Record #:

15271

Author(s):

Lawrence, R.C.

Abstract:

The Invisible Empire is a euphemism for the Ku Klux Klan. Following the Civil War the KKK was rooted both in the Piedmont and western portion of the state. In the east the focal counties were Alamance, Caswell, and Orange and western counties were Cleveland and Rutherford. KKK actions became so disruptive that Governor William W. Holden declared these counties under a state of insurrection and sent Colonel George W. Kirk with troops in 1870, an incident known better as the Kirk-Holden war.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 6 Issue 47, Apr 1939, p5, 20

Subject(s):

Ku Klux Klan; Kirk-Holden War

Record #:

22714

Author(s):

McGuire, Samuel B.

Abstract:

In July, 1870, African American state militia were mobilized in New Bern to face the Klu Klux Klan in North Carolina's state capitol, Raleigh. Under the command of George B. Willis, the militia attempted to stem violence from the Klan since the election of Republican William W. Holden in 1868. After two severe crimes, Holden mobilized two militia regiments under William J. Clarke (including Willis' troops) and George W. Kirk. The conflict became known as the Kirk-Holden War. This event, and the work of black North Carolinians in the militia, had a significant impact on state Reconstruction policies.

Source:

North Carolina Historical Review (NoCar F251 .N892), Vol. 91 Issue 3, July 2014, p288-322, il, por, f Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Holden, William Woods, 1818-1892; Kirk-Holden War; Ku Klux Klan; Reconstruction (1865-1877)--North Carolina