North Augusta in Aiken County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Hamburg Massacre
Photographed by Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023
1. The Hamburg Massacre Marker
The Hamburg Massacre, which occurred nearby on July 8, 1876, was one of the most notable incidents of racial and political violence in S.C. during Reconstruction. White Democrats across the state organized rifle clubs to intimidate black and white Republicans during the gubernatorial election of 1876. Clashes between groups of armed men were frequent, in some cases even including the militia.
After a dispute between whites and a black militia company, about 200 men from local rifle clubs tried to disarm 38 black militiamen and others barricaded in a warehouse. One white was killed and men on each side were wounded before the blacks fled. Two blacks were killed trying to escape. Whites captured 25-30 blacks and executed four of them. 87 whites were charged in the massacre but were never tried for it.
Erected 2010 by The Heritage Council of North Augusta. (Marker Number 2 45.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights. A significant historical date for this entry is July 8, 1876.
Location. 33° 29.185′ N, 81° 57.473′ W. Marker is in North Augusta, South Carolina, in Aiken County. It is at the intersection of Barton Road and Boylan Street, on the right when traveling south on Barton
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Regionally, this marker is in Greater Augusta and in the Midlands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Carrsville (here, next to this marker); Providence Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hamburg (approx. 0.6 miles away); Western Terminus South Carolina Railroad (approx. 0.6 miles away); William Bartram Trail (approx. 0.7 miles away in Georgia); Great Indian Warrior / Trading Path (approx. 0.7 miles away in Georgia); De Soto In Georgia (approx. 0.7 miles away in Georgia); Founding of Augusta (approx. 0.7 miles away in Georgia). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Augusta.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Hamburg (was approx. half a mile away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023
2. The Hamburg Massacre Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023
3. The Hamburg Massacre Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023
4. The Hamburg Massacre Memorial
Photographed by Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023
5. The Hamburg Massacre Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, December 31, 2023
6. Markers from left to right: The Hamburg Massacre, Carrsville, Providence Baptist Church
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 968 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 2, 2024, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
