Pro-Confederates in Louisiana accuse the integrated Reconstruction government of stealing the 1872 election. In New Orleans on September 14, 1874, 5000 members of the white supremacist paramilitary “White League” storm Canal Street to overthrow the government, saying they are protecting the Constitution and promising not to harm the property of black people.

The well-armed White League attacks and defeats the police and local militia. They overtake the telegraph, City Hall, the statehouse and the armory and hold them for three days, when federal troops arrive and restore the elected government. At least 32 people have been killed. No one will be held accountable.

Seventeen years later, the city erects a 35-foot tall white obelisk to honor the White League. It is removed to storage in 2017.