1868 - WE REMEMBER THE SOLDIERS

A Harrowing Tale of Black Persecution During the Reconstruction Era

Deep within the pages of William R. Ward's thesis, "A History of Smith Co.," written in 1944, lies a chilling account, a testament to the dark days of the Reconstruction era in Tyler. It reveals a haunting episode of a mass lynching in August 1868, seared into the collective memory, that has now been lost to history. As crimes against the newly freedmen escalated, Smith County had become a breeding ground for violence and terror, shrouded in a climate of fear. In response, Union troops were dispatched to assist in restoring order and aiding the much-needed reconstruction efforts. However, their presence was met with disdain and animosity.

One fateful morning in August, Tyler’s townspeople were confronted with a grotesque sight—six, and perhaps more, Black Union soldiers found hanging from a single oak tree near the heart of Tyler's downtown. Questions weighed heavily in the air, their answers obscured by the veil of hatred that had permeated the community.

Who were the perpetrators? What motivated this heinous act? The grim truth emerged, pointing to Confederate sympathizers and local townsfolk, united in their opposition to what they called the "negro element." This vague description cast suspicion upon nearly anyone within the town's borders, leaving no one untouched by the stain of suspicion. Amidst a time when Black voter participation was increasing, and for a period was the majority, and families reveled in newfound freedoms, Tylerites delivered a resounding message to the burgeoning Black community—a chilling reminder that white rule would endure.

The impact of this horrific lynching reverberated through the veins of the city, leaving an indelible mark on its history. In a haunting display of defiance, Tyler city-fathers christened the street near the tree as Confederate Avenue, a brazen nod to the ideals of the past. This mob-driven atrocity stood as one of the most horrifying instances of mass public lynching in the annals of Texas history. Yet, tragically, it would not be the last.

As we recount this somber tale, we must not let its echoes fade into oblivion. It serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted prejudice, hatred, and injustice that plagued our nation's past. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that the stories of Black persecution during the Reconstruction era are told with unwavering clarity and honesty, unveiling the true nature of the struggle faced by African Americans striving for freedom and equality. By shedding light on these dark chapters, we equip ourselves with the knowledge necessary to dismantle the systemic biases that persist in our present society. Let us learn from the past, champion justice, and strive for a future where the shadows of hatred and violence are forever vanquished.

Source:

1. Ward, William R. A History of Smith County, Texas, book, May 1944; Denton, Texas. ([https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth46834/]: accessed April 22, 2020), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History.

2. Tyler Morning Telegraph, Wednesday, February 05, 1997, Pg 39

3. Tyler & Smith County, Texas: An Historical Survey, Pg 188