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The Civil War and Reconstruction was a pivotal era in American history.

When a war was fought to save the Union and to free the slaves.

And when the work to rebuild the nation after that war was over

turned into a struggle to guarantee liberty and justice for all Americans. I'm

I'm Tracey and I'm rich and we want to invite you to join us as we take an in-depth look at this

pivotal era in American history.

Look for the Civil War and Reconstruction,

wherever you find your podcasts. The On the evening of June 18th, 1954, Albert Love Patterson walked out of his law office in Phoenix City, Alabama. In Former state senator, soldier in France in World War I wouldn't be a big deal.

But in a town like Phoenix City spelled

pH E-N-I-X, no one knows quite why, various stories on that,

on the border between Alabama and Georgia. Quite why, various stories on that.

On the border between Alabama and Georgia,

near the Chattahoochee River, near Fort Benning,

which earned its place from offering illegal casino gambling,

being part of a betterment or civic association

wasn't the same as it might be in some other town. In the 30s, town was broke and decided illegally to offer gambling service and city limits and not enforce.

Sheriff deputies and judges hung with gamblers and gangsters.

Soldiers from nearby Fort Benning would arrive on their paydays, drinking, carousing.

Prostitution, gambling would take place.

Fights, disputes were common.

Those foolish enough to complain about all the illegal activity in Phoenix would find themselves arrested, beat up, or thrown in the Chattahoochee River live or dead.

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