Every time you see a pretty town or charming city, you sometimes have to recount the history behind the place. New Albany, in southern Indiana, is a picturesque city, with over 36,000 residents, a gorgeous view of the Ohio River, and stunning bridges, architecture, and an outdoor amphitheater. New Albany is a great place to live and lovely place to visit (despite this terrifying ghost legend).
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wikimedia Main Street, featured above, in New Albany was originally home to some of Indiana’s richest settlers. All in all, this town seems quite appealing…but New Albany actually has a dark past.
LuAnn Snawder Photography/Flickr This bright and colorful city was once a major proponent of social injustice. In June of 1862, a mob of white New Albany residents rushed from door to door, rioting and attacking blacks, destroying their property, and killing three black residents during this 30 hour riot.
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr This dark period in New Albany history is looked upon with sorrow and regret. However, even during this dark time, bravery shone through. A white woman, Mary Israel, helped a black man fleeing from a mob find shelter, showing the kindness of many New Albany residents. In 2012, the above historical marker was placed in remembrance of this dark time, and specifically, in honor of the brave white woman who risked her life to save a man’s life.
If you didn’t know about this dark history of New Albany, you aren’t alone. Newspaper reports, even at the time, were scarce. To read more about shocking events in Indiana, check out this article.
wikimedia
Main Street, featured above, in New Albany was originally home to some of Indiana’s richest settlers. All in all, this town seems quite appealing…but New Albany actually has a dark past.
LuAnn Snawder Photography/Flickr
This bright and colorful city was once a major proponent of social injustice. In June of 1862, a mob of white New Albany residents rushed from door to door, rioting and attacking blacks, destroying their property, and killing three black residents during this 30 hour riot.
Jimmy Emerson DVM/Flickr
This dark period in New Albany history is looked upon with sorrow and regret. However, even during this dark time, bravery shone through. A white woman, Mary Israel, helped a black man fleeing from a mob find shelter, showing the kindness of many New Albany residents. In 2012, the above historical marker was placed in remembrance of this dark time, and specifically, in honor of the brave white woman who risked her life to save a man’s life.
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