Harleston Village in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Charleston Riot of 1919
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 18, 2026
1. Charleston Riot of 1919 Marker
The "Red Summer" of 1919 was a wave of racist attacks on African American communities across the U.S. One of the first outbreaks of violence began the night of May 10 near the intersection of Archdale and Beaufain Sts. The event likely started when a sidewalk altercation between Black residents and white sailors on leave from the U.S. Naval Training Center became physical and spilled into neighboring streets and buildings.
For hours, hundreds of white sailors and others moved along King St. and harassed, beat, stabbed, and shot African Americans. One local newspaper described it as a "hunt and chase of negroes." Many defended themselves, including some who took up weapons. The mob overwhelmed City police, and order was restored early May 11 only after Marines and military police intervened. Three Black residents were killed and dozens were injured.
Erected 2023 by At Stephen's Episcopal Church. (Marker Number 10-130.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Law Enforcement • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is May 10, 1919.
Location. 32° 46.836′ N, 79° 56.096′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Historic Charleston and in the Lowcountry. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Site of the First Public Lending Library in the American Colonies (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); G.F. "Moonie" Brown & Brown's Parkway (about 500 feet away); Riviera Theatre (about 500 feet away); Septima Clark Birthplace
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 18, 2026
2. Charleston Riot of 1919 Marker
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, September 18, 2026
3. Charleston Riot of 1919 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 22, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
