John S. Richardson Archives

An 1876 political cartoon. The text reads, "Of course he wants to vote the Democratic ticket!; Democratic 'Reformer': You're as free as the air, ain't you? Say you are, or I'll blow your black head off!"

When White Mobs in Red Shirts ‘Prevented’ Voter Fraud—With Guns, Knives and Violence

by Barbara Finlay10/3/20166/7/2022

In 1880, a Black lawyer lost a U.S. House race in a majority Black district and contested the results of the election. Then the “Red Shirts” took up arms.