The Ku Klux Klan or Invisible Empire

By Mrs. S. E. F. Rose

Mrs. S. E. F. Rose’s book, "The Ku Klux Klan: or Invisible Empire," provides a detailed historical account of the infamous white supremacist organization known as the Ku Klux Klan. First published in the late 19th century, this work delves into the formation, evolution, and ultimate decline of the Klan during its first incarnation following the American Civil War.

The book begins with an exploration of the post-war Southern United States, setting the stage for the emergence of the Klan as a secret society founded by Confederate veterans. Rose examines the socio-political conditions that contributed to the Klan's rise, including the tumultuous Reconstruction era, widespread racial tensions, and the disenfranchisement of white Southerners.

Rose's narrative is rich with firsthand accounts and detailed descriptions of the Klan's activities, rituals, and hierarchy. She provides insight into the organization’s use of terror and violence to maintain white supremacy and resist the integration and empowerment of African Americans. The book also discusses the internal conflicts and external pressures that led to the Klan's disbandment in the early 1870s.

Though written from a perspective sympathetic to the Southern cause, Mrs. Rose's work is an important historical document. It offers readers a window into the mindset of Klan members and their supporters, while also highlighting the broader implications of the Klan's actions on American society.

Controversial and provocative, "The Ku Klux Klan: Its Origin, Growth, and Disbandment" serves as a crucial resource for understanding one of the darkest chapters in American history. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Mrs. S. E. F. Rose provides an in-depth look at the origins and operations of the Ku Klux Klan, offering valuable insights into its lasting impact on race relations in the United States.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Porirua Publishing
• Release date: May 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9781991141965

Book preview

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© Porirua Publishing 2024, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means, electrical, mechanical or otherwise without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Publisher’s Note

Although in most cases we have retained the Author’s original spelling and grammar to authentically reproduce the work of the Author and the original intent of such material, some additional notes and clarifications have been added for the modern reader’s benefit.

We have also made every effort to include all maps and illustrations of the original edition the limitations of formatting do not allow of including larger maps, we will upload as many of these maps as possible.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1

DEDICATION. 5

INTRODUCTION. 6

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 7

ENDORSEMENT. 8

ILLUSTRATIONS. 10

CHAPTER I. — THE KU KLUX KLAN. 12

Reasons For Its Existence. 12

CHAPTER II. — WHERE FIRST ORGANIZED. 14

CHAPTER III. — ORIGINAL LETTERS FROM THE LAST TWO SURVIVING CHARTER MEMBERS OF THE KU KLUX KLAN. 15

CHAPTER IV. — MEMBERS AND OBJECTS OF THE KLAN. 20

CHAPTER V. — CARPET-BAGGERS—SCALAWAGS—AND NEGROES. 22

CHAPTER VI. — REAL AND BOGUS KLANS. 24

CHAPTER VII. — DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICERS. 25

CHAPTER VIII. — THE BANNER OF THE KU KLUX. 27

CHAPTER IX. — CONSTITUTION. 28

CREED. 28

THE OATH. 28

CHAPTER X. — COSTUMES AND PARADES. 31

A TYPICAL ORDER FOR KU KLUX ROBES. 31

PARADES. 32

CHAPTER XI. — NOTICES AND WARNINGS. 33

CHAPTER XII. — LESSONS TAUGHT BY THE KLAN. 35

CHAPTER XIII. — KU KLUX STORIES. 37

CHAPTER XIV. — PEN PICTURE OF A KU KLUX ESCAPADE. 39

CHAPTER XV. — A MESSENGER OF THE KU KLUX KLAN. 41

CHAPTER XVI. — THE END OF RECONSTRUCTION. 45

CHAPTER XVII. — DISBANDMENT. 46

CHAPTER XVIII. — CLOSING REFLECTIONS. 47

GENERAL NATHAN BEDFORD FORREST. BIOGRAPHICAL 49

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THE KU KLUX KLAN

OR

INVISIBLE EMPIRE

By

MRS. S. E. F. ROSE

Author of

The U. D. C.—Its Object and Mission

The Confederate Picture Gallery

Arlington—Its Past and Present

DEDICATION.

THIS book is dedicated by the author to the Youth of the Southland, hoping that a perusal of its pages will inspire them with respect and admiration for the Confederate soldiers, who were the real Ku Klux, and whose deeds of courage and valor, have never been surpassed, and rarely equalled, in the annals of history.

INTRODUCTION.

THE Ku Klux had no written history. Their Constitution declared, That the origin, mysteries, and ritual, of this order shall never be written, but shall be communicated orally. This secrecy was made necessary by existing conditions, and in no sense reflected upon the bravery of its members, for they were the bravest of the brave. Even at this late day, it is difficult to secure information in regard to this mysterious Brotherhood, and many books of reference contain false statements about the Klan. To give a detailed history of the Ku Klux Klan, would require many volumes, for Klans were formed in all the Southern States, and their membership reached large numbers, estimated at half a million, but in this book may be found true and authentic history answering the following questions:

Who were the Ku Klux? Where did the Klan originate? What was its object and mission?

For the purpose of giving the youth of our land true history about this remarkable organization, whose services were of untold value to the South, during a dark period of her history, this book is written. The facts herein contained are absolutely authentic, being recorded from the lips of the survivors themselves.

MRS. S. E. F. ROSE.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

THE Author acknowledges with deepest gratitude the kind assistance of many Confederate Veterans and prominent men who were members of the Ku Klux Klan, who have furnished data and written incidents related in this book, also for the permission, so willingly