An 1861 book cover re the Knights of the Golden Circle and their purported flag. Start by marking "The Knights of the Golden Circle: The History and Legacy of One of 19th Century America's Most Notorious Secret Societies" as Want to Read: . would spring into action to bring about Southern secession and the formation of the Confederate States of America. Alternate titles: Order of American Knights. With the outbreak of the war, however, Republicans charged that Democrats who opposed the conduct of the war were influenced by, or were members of, the Knights. YOUR WHY. Webb had always declined political office until the position of city collector was tendered him by Mayor Kane. Apparently, the bond between Webb and Kane was so tight that Kane was the one individual to whom Webb could not say no., But Kane died in office soon after. But war itself was not be averted. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Knight of the Golden Circle Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster The Golden Circle would ensure that the sun never set on the American system of exploitation. He fundraised for the group here in Cincinnati before the Civil War and envisioned it as a para-military organization. All were squashed, foiled, or fell apart before being launched. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) Timothy H. OSullivan/U.S. Its stated aim was to sponsor and conduct military expeditions into the Caribbean region (the Golden Circle) for the purpose of bringing new slave territories into the Union. Mason. Alexander the Greats epitaph expressed the sentiment that the world is not enough. In the mid 19th century United States, a group of Southern men known as the Knights of the Golden Circle subscribed to a similar philosophy. With the abolition of slavery and the reintegration of the Southern United States into the Union, the Knights of the Golden Circle lost any popularity they mightve had. [1] Floyd used his position as Secretary of War to move munitions and men to the South towards the end of Buchanan's presidency. These investigators also allege that many famed characters from the Civil War era, including John Wilkes Booth and Jesse James, belonged to and acted under the influence of the Knights. The Knights were one of the country's more successful "Southern Rights Clubs" which agitated for more political power for the South. These Knights of the Golden Circle Heritage History | Expose of the Knights of the Golden Circle by Member Joseph Holt, Report of the Judge Advocate General on The Order of American Knights, alias The Sons of Liberty. A Western Conspiracy in aid of the Southern Rebellion (Washington, DC: Union Congressional Committee, 1864). This secret society hatched a plot to protect and extend slavery, arguably the most contentious issue in the history of the United States. : The Confederate States of America, the Confederacy's defeat in the Second Great War, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Knights were grouped into three divisionsmilitary, commercial and financial, and politicaleach of which was in turn divided into two classes. Within a relatively brief time, he organized thirty-two castles or local chapters in various cities, including Houston, Galveston, Austin, San Antonio, Marshall, Jefferson, and La Grange. Fifty states would be carved from Mexico, calling for 50 senators and 60 or more congressmen to represent their interests in the legislative branch of government and thereby ensure that the rights and desires of the South would be heard and acknowledged. Knights of the Golden Circle - GlobalSecurity.org Perhaps more tantalizing are the rumors that the Knights of the Golden Circle hid treasures still undiscovered to this day. Such was the case in New Orleans in 1860 when a group of Knights, perhaps 1,000-large, descended into madness while Bickley was otherwise occupied. Still, the Knights of the Golden Horsehoe tell a compelling story. Knights of the Golden Circle | Research and Archive | Page 2 Does the Knights of the Golden Circle still exist? - idswater.com Charles Webb was also something of a political kingmaker in Baltimore for the Southern Democrats, the party that would oppose Lincoln and promote the continuation of slavery. Knights of the Golden Circle, a semi-military secret society that was active in the Midwestern states during the American Civil War. Henry Grob and Theodore Jones showing off their find. Reports of K.G.C. houses for rent in ellijay, ga. ann reinking autopsy results. Who were members of the Knights of the Golden Circle? Knights of the Golden Circle | Wartime Politics, & Debates (Moderated) . Texas State Historical Association Handbook of Texas. It should come as no surprise then that the K.G.C. Knights of the Golden Circle, a semi-military secret society that was active in the Midwestern states during the American Civil War. soon found a new enemy to oppose. Senate. A journalist reported that: This section of the country is filled with members of this mysterious organization, and their campfires are increased every night by new parties arriving during the dayIt is reported that 300 of them are in this vicinity and on the way to GoliadA company of thirty came in today from Baltimore, under Lieut. [11], With the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, the Texas KGC changed its emphasis from a plan to expand U.S. territory into Mexico in order to focus its efforts on providing support for the Southern States' secession from the Union. The senior Webb had passed away, leaving sons Charles, Jr. and James in charge. Later, during the 1850s, businessman Armstrong would expand his empire by opening a downtown insurance firm that specialized in insuring ships cargoes. There are three parts of The Golden Circle: Why, How, and What. Home; Dante Opera. In the years prior to the American Civil War, the rise of support for abolition of slavery was one of several divisive issues in the United States. The Knights Of The Golden Circle: The Secret Civil War Society That Wanted To Build An Empire Of Slavery, A foodie, wanderlust victim, professional Francophile, and history nerd, Andrew Milne is a freelance writer who has worked at outlets like Bon Apptit and Food Network, and currently runs content at, How The Eastern Front Decided World War II, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. By that time, he had already begun working on his conspiracy to kidnap Lincoln. 1,880 likes. The Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) was a secret society that was active in the United States during the mid-19th century. He feared secession of the Northwest. In 1864, it became the Order of the Sons of Liberty, with the Ohio politician Clement L. Vallandigham, most prominent of the Copperheads, as its supreme commander. Hudson, Linda S. "The Knights of the Golden Circle in Texas, 18581861: An Analysis of the First (Military) Degree Knights", p. 53, in Howell, Kenneth W., ed. However, it is possible that the Knights tallied closer to 50,000 by 1860, given that there was a membership of 16,000 in California, 8,000 in both Texas and Kentucky, and there were castles established in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and not to mention some 15,000 men who had joined up with the KGC following the dissolution of the OLS. Their early purposes included expanding southern imperial interests into the "golden circle" of Mexico, Central America . They decided to hire Allan Pinkerton and his Pinkerton Detective Agency to spy on the Baltimore conspirators. Some of that money was set aside (buried) in anticipation of funding Latin American expeditions that never materialized. Knights of the Golden Circle made post-war "appearance" Saulsbury, only 46, died suddenly at his Eden Street home with his wife knowing nothing of the 5,000 gold coins buried in their basement. Now it was John Wilkes Booths turn to be upset. Who were the Knights of the Golden Circle? Baltimores native son, George Herman Babe Ruth revolutionizes the game of baseball by launching 60 home runs in a season. In 1991, he found a cache of 1800s coins totaling $400. This measure, which supported the goal of the KGC, failed to be adopted. 13Which question is in the center of . Chapter I. Background'Southern Rights' Clubs. This enormous empire would have a diameter of 2,400 miles. Not by chance, on South Central Avenue at this time just 4/10th of a mile from Booths home lived a candle and soap company executive named Andrew Saulsbury. The Northern and Southern United States had adopted different approaches to slavery since the country was colonized. Houston, however, regardless of his interest in annexing Mexico to the United States, could not accept the K.G.C.s anti-Union stance and refused to support its schemes. outdoor artificial palm trees; However, that hasn't stopped some people from suggesting that the organization is still active as an underground society . In late May 1864, Booth invested in an oil company in western Pennsylvania. For example, the military division comprised the Foreign Guard, those men who wished to participate in the wild, glorious and thrilling adventures of a campaign in Mexico and the Home Guard, men who would support military efforts from home. What was the ultimate goal for the Knights of the Golden Circle? Calhoun had an illustrious political career serving as a congressman from his home state of South Carolina, a state . There, a military wing of the Knights planned to march onto the Rio Grande, the river that separates Mexico and the United States and, at first, it appeared that their mission was picking up support. [18][19][20], In late 1863, the KGC reorganized as the Order of American Knights. The OLS operated as something of an unofficial army which took it upon itself to invade South American countries and forcibly take control of them for the sake of America. George W. L. Bickley was one such man. KGC Meeting. The Brownwood, Texas photo below has Henry Ford's name written above the man with his hat over his shoulder. The Knights of the Golden Circle emerged around 1858 when a secret society formed by a Cincinnati businessman merged with the pro-expansionist Order of the Lone Star, which already had 15,000 members.
