On September 14, 1874, the Crescent City White League — a paramilitary organization of former Confederates — attacked the integrated Metropolitan Police and state militia at the foot of Canal Street, overthrowing the Reconstruction government for three days until federal troops restored order. The Battle of Liberty Place was the single most violent act of white supremacist insurrection during Reconstruction. A monument celebrating the attackers stood at the site until 2017, when it was removed as the first of four Confederate monuments taken down by the city.
Quick facts
- ·On September 14, 1874, the Crescent City White League attacked the integrated Metropolitan Police at the foot of Canal Street.
- ·The White League overthrew the Reconstruction government for three days until federal troops restored order.
- ·The single most violent act of white supremacist insurrection during Reconstruction.
- ·A monument celebrating the attackers stood at the site until 2017, when it became the first of four Confederate monuments removed by the city.
- ·The removal of the monuments in 2017 sparked a national debate about Confederate memorials in public spaces.
- ·The former monument site is at the foot of Canal Street near the river.
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Editorial content compiled with AI assistance. Place details verified against public records.