Putnam County, Georgia, arson attack facts for kids
| Part of the Red Summer | |
US News coverage of the Putnam County, Georgia, arson attack
|
|
| Date | May 27, 1919 |
|---|---|
| Location | Putnam County, Georgia, United States |
The Putnam County, Georgia arson attack was a sad event in May 1919. During this time, white groups attacked the black community in Putnam County, Georgia. They set fire to many buildings. This attack was part of a larger period of unrest in the United States known as the Red Summer.
What Happened in Putnam County?
From the night of May 27 to the morning of May 28, 1919, people set fires in and around Eatonton. They burned down at least six churches and other buildings that belonged to the black community.
A newspaper called The Wheeling Intelligencer reported on the fires. It said the fires started after a small disagreement. This happened at a place called Dennis Station. The newspaper said a black man was not allowed to buy a soda.
The community offered a reward of $1,100 for information. This money was for anyone who knew who started the fires.
Tensions in Milledgeville
A few miles away, in Milledgeville, Georgia, there was also trouble. White and black groups gathered with weapons. This happened after an argument about school colors. Both white and black schools chose the same colors.
A respected black preacher, J.A. Martin, saw what was happening. He noted that black men in Milledgeville carried their guns calmly. It was as if they were going hunting.
There was a lot of tension for black soldiers after World War I. White soldiers were praised when they came home. But black soldiers, who also fought bravely, were often ignored.
The Aftermath: Red Summer
The events in Putnam County were part of a bigger problem. This period was called the Red Summer of 1919. During this time, there were many incidents of unrest across the United States.
White groups attacked African American neighborhoods in over three dozen cities and counties. In some places, black community groups fought back. This happened especially in cities like Chicago and Washington D.C.
Most people who died during the Red Summer lived in rural areas. For example, in the Elaine Race Riot in Arkansas, many people were killed. Estimates say between 100 and 240 black people died. Five white people also died.
Other major events in 1919 included the Chicago Race Riot and the Washington D.C. race riot. In Chicago, 38 people died. In Washington D.C., 39 people died. Both events also caused many injuries and a lot of damage to property. The damage cost millions of dollars.
