Tensions ran high in Grant Parish, Louisiana, ahead of the 1872 election for governor.

Former Confederates filled the ranks of the Democratic Party,

and they wanted desperately to oust the Black and White Republican coalition that controlled the state government.

Some 4,600 ballots were cast on Election Day, resulting in a close but clear victory for the Republican candidate.

Defeat did not sit well with the former Confederates.

They questioned the legitimacy of the election because they did not believe that African Americans had a right to vote.

In Colfax, the seat of Grant Parish, white men

plotted to overthrow the local government. Inspired by the clan, they formed their own racial

terror group, the White League, and announced plans to seize control of the parish courthouse.

To prevent a coup, a black militia comprised of former Union

soldiers marched on the courthouse in advance of the White League and took up defensive positions.

On April 13, 1873, a couple hundred white leaguers and their supporters showed up at the courthouse with Confederate-issued weapons, including a cannon.

It wasn't long before they opened fire, letting loose a blistering volley of pistol, rifle, and cannon shot.

The black militiamen held off the siege for as long as they could, killing three white men in the process.

But the mob had them outgunned.

Surrender was the only way out.

But when the former Union soldiers laid down their weapons, they were massacred.

Some shot, others hanged.

In all, about 150 African Americans were murdered that day.

Eventually, 97 indictments were handed down.

But only nine convictions followed.

And even that modicum of justice proved fleeting.

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