Topic Guide to Robert Charles Riots
The information and links below include search tips and a selection of articles covering this topic in the digitized Louisiana newspapers. The dates and suggested search terms can help to further explore this topic on Chronicling America. For the most search results, try the search terms in different combinations, in proximity, and as phrases.
Significant Dates
1900 – July 23, in an altercation with New Orleans police, African American laborer Robert Charles shoots three policemen, killing two of them; he flees the scene and a citywide manhunt ensues
1900 – July 24, rioting breaks out among white citizens of New Orleans; Violence against blacks is rampant
1900 – July 25, violence intensifies, with three blacks killed, five whites hospitalized, and over fifty people injured
1900 – July 27, deadly clash between Robert Charles and New Orleans police at 1208 Saratoga St. leads to the shooting death of Robert Charles, after he kills seven men and injures twenty-seven
1900 – In response to the riots, Bostonian Lillian Jewett starts the Anti-Lynching League; New Orleanians respond by forming the Green Turtle Club, and threaten Jewett’s life
1900 – The name “Robert Charles” is later associated with other African Americans accused of violence in Louisiana newspapers
Suggested Search Terms
Robert Charles, John Day, Lillian Jewett, riot
Sample Articles
- “Charles Killed” The Lafayette Gazette , July 28, 1900, Image 1
- “Murder and Riot”St. Landry Clarion, July 28, 1900, Image 3
- “John T. Day and Peter J. Lamb Shot to Death”St. Tammany Farmer, June 02, 1855, Image 1
- “Notice”The Banner-Democrat, August 04, 1900, Image 2
- “The New Orleans Riot” The Weekly Thibodaux Sentinel, August 08, 1900, Image 2
- “Foolish Talk About the Democratic Party” St. Landry Clarion, August 04, 1900, Image 2
- “End of the Tragedy: Robert Charles Killed” St. Tammany Farmer, August 04, 1900, Image 2
- “The New Orleans Boxer” The Meridional, August 04, 1900, Image 2
- “A Dangerous Desperado Killed” The Meridional, August 11, 1900, Image 1
- “Condemned Robert Charles Crimes” The Weekly Thibodaux Sentinel, August 11, 1900, Image 2
- “Daily Item” The Weekly Messenger, August 11, 1900, Image 4
- “A Cordial Invitation” St. Tammany Farmer, August 11, 1900, Image 2
- “Bad Coon's Fate” St. Landry Clarion, August 11, 1900, Image 3
- “Lillian Jewett” The Lafayette Gazette, August 18, 1900, Image 1
- “The Poisoned Chalice” The Weekly Thibodaux Sentinel, August 25, 1900, Image 3
- "Members of the Green Turtle Club" The Lafayette Gazette , August 25, 1900, Image 2