What Was The Colfax Massacre

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The Colfax Massacre, also known as the Colfax Riot, took place in the small town of Colfax, Louisiana, on April 13th, 1873. This occurred during an ongoing feud between opposing political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans. On this day in history, a mob of white Democratic rebels, including Union and ex-Confederate soldiers, launched an attack on the Grant Parish Courthouse. This Courthouse was the center of civilian life within the community. It was constantly occupied and surrounded by defending black citizens, Republican, set to protect the results of the 1872 election. They were also armed, however, they did not have enough ammo to outlast their enemies. They went around them and went on to take down dozens of the courthouse 's