Black Patch War in Kentucky 1904-1909

Growers of dark tobacco in the extreme western and southwestern parts of Kentucky, known as the Black Patch, opposed the monopolistic practices of the tobacco-buying companies, which controlled the markets and prices. A tobacco growers association was formed and attempted to boycott the buyers; night riders began terrorizing both buyers and growers (those who didn't join the association). Lawlessness prevailed in the area until 1907, when Kentucky's Governor A. E. Wilson (1846-1931) declared martial law in 23 counties and used the state militia to fight the rebels and to take control of whole towns. In 1908, an agreement was reached between growers and buyers, whose monopoly was partially broken. Disgruntled night riders continued their violence into the next year, finding themselves now contending with armed citizens angered by their tactics. Thereafter dissension among members of the growers association helped end the fighting.

References

Dictionary of Wars, 58.

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