Man Wearing Ku Klux Klan Robe and Hood, circa 1870

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Artifact Overview

This is one of the earliest known images of members of the Ku Klux Klan, founded in 1866 as one of many Southern vigilante groups intent on maintaining "white supremacy." For a century after the Civil War, African Americans were free but not treated as equals. Some angry white citizens responded with violence.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Tintype (Photograph)

Date Made

circa 1870

Subject Date

circa 1870

Place of Creation

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All

Object ID

2005.19.6

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Collodion
Iron (Metal)
Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Direct positive processes
Embossing (Technique)
Japanning

Color

Black (Color)
White (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 5 in (with cardboard)
Width: 3.5 in (with cardboard)

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