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On July 4, 1876, two white men attempted to drive through Hamburg's all-Black militia, who were running drills to mark Independence Day. The white men charged the militia with obstruction of the road, and on July 8, an armed mob of over 100 whites surrounded the courthouse. The militia retreated to a warehouse, but the mob had a cannon. By the morning of July 9, seven Black men were murdered, many execution-style: Allen Attaway, James Cook, Albert Myniart, Nelder Parker, Moses Parks, David Phillips and Hampton Stephens. One white man, Thomas McKie Meriwether, was killed during the siege.
On July 4, 1876, two white men attempted to drive through Hamburg's all-Black militia, who were running drills to mark Independence Day. The white men charged the militia with obstruction of the road, and on July 8, an armed mob of over 100 whites surrounded the courthouse. The militia retreated to a warehouse, but the mob had a cannon. By the morning of July 9, seven Black men were murdered, many execution-style: Allen Attaway, James Cook, Albert Myniart, Nelder Parker, Moses Parks, David Phillips and Hampton Stephens. One white man, Thomas McKie Meriwether, was killed during the siege.
94 men were indicted for the massacre. None were charged. That same year, Wade Hampton III was elected governor, ending and quickly reversing the advancements made for Black South Carolinians during Reconstruction.
94 men were indicted for the massacre. None were charged. That same year, Wade Hampton III was elected governor, ending and quickly reversing the advancements made for Black South Carolinians during Reconstruction.
For over one hundred years, many only remembered Meriwether's death. No longer. This will be the fifth annual commemoration of the Hamburg Massacre, and 150 years since this act of political terror was committed.
For over one hundred years, many only remembered Meriwether's death. No longer. This will be the fifth annual commemoration of the Hamburg Massacre, and 150 years since this act of political terror was committed.
REMEMBERING HAMBURG
REMEMBERING HAMBURG
Remembering Hamburg with Wayne O'Bryant
In this video, historian and one of the founders of the District, Wayne O'Bryant, sits down with historian Melissa DeVelvis to discusses the importance of Hamburg both then and now.
Please join us for our annual commemoration of the Hamburg Massacre. 2026 will mark 150 years since the event. Visit our Events page for tickets, and donate to future research, commemoration, and programming here.
Support our Commemoration Efforts!
Support our Commemoration Efforts!
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