Lynching of Jesse Washington in Waco, Texas
May 15th, 1916
May 15th, 1916

How Long Ago?
108 years, 10 months ago
Location
Waco, Texas, USA
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Jesse Washington
- Lucy Fryer
Links & References
Tags
Lynching of Jesse Washington in Waco, Texas
Jesse Washington, a seventeen-year-old farmworker, was accused of raping and murdering a white woman named Lucy Fryer in Waco, Texas. After a hastily conducted trial, Washington was convicted. On May 15, he was taken from the courthouse by an angry mob, who brutally lynched him in a public display of violence. His body was set on fire, and a crowd gathered to watch, some taking photographs of the horrific event.
The trial lasted only a few hours.
Washington was accused of raping a white woman.
Crowd violence led to his public lynching.
Incident highlighted racial tensions in America.
What Happened?
Jesse Washington was a seventeen-year-old African American farmworker accused of the rape and murder of a white woman, Lucy Fryer, in Waco, Texas. The crime reportedly occurred on May 15, 1916, and was characterized by a wave of racial tension that fueled lynching in the American South. The trial that followed was notably swift, taking place within hours, reflecting the deep-seated racial prejudices of the time. Despite the lack of substantial evidence, Washington was found guilty and sentenced to death almost immediately.
After his conviction, a mob, galvanised by both racial hatred and sensationalist media coverage, seized Washington from the courthouse. They dragged him through the streets of Waco, displaying him as a trophy of their prejudice before lynching him. Washington's body was then brutally burned in front of a large crowd, many of whom were reportedly taking photographs as a means of preserving the gruesome spectacle. This tragic incident was emblematic of the rampant lynching culture in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly targeting African Americans.
The lynching of Jesse Washington shocked many across the country, sparking discussions about race, justice, and the legal system. The incident was widely reported in national newspapers, which prompted outrage and calls for reform. Washington's death thus not only represented a single act of racial violence but also highlighted the desperation for social change amidst deep-rooted racism in American society.
Why Does it Matter?
The lynching of Jesse Washington marked a significant moment in the history of racial violence in the United States. It illustrated the extreme measures taken by communities to assert racial dominance and control. The incident drew national attention, contributing to the subsequent civil rights movements. It served as a catalyst for activists who sought to combat racial injustice, leading to increased awareness of the lynching crisis throughout the early 20th century.
Discover More Historic Events from May 15th
UN Marks First Palestinian Nakba Day
The United Nations commemorated Nakba Day to recognize the plight and rights of Palestinian refugees, marking an important shift in international recognition of historical injustices. The observance included speeches from Palestinian representatives, highlight the ongoing struggle for statehood and rights. This event emphasized the UN's role in acknowledging historical grievances as part of broader discussions on peace and justice in the region, bringing global attention to the Palestinian narrative and experiences since 1948.
Continue ReadingViolence Surge in Iraq Claims Over 389 Lives
Between May 15 and May 17, 2013, over 389 people were killed in a wave of violence across Iraq, marking one of the deadliest periods since the end of U.S. military involvement in 2011. Car bombings, suicide attacks, and armed assaults targeted civilian areas and security forces predominantly in the northern and central regions. The violence escalated amid rising sectarian tensions and ongoing political instability in the country, with major attacks occurring in cities like Baghdad and Kirkuk.
Continue ReadingJessica Watson sails solo around the world
Jessica Watson completed her solo circumnavigation of the globe, becoming the youngest person to achieve this remarkable feat. Setting sail from Sydney, Australia, at the age of 16, she navigated treacherous seas for over seven months. Her journey covered approximately 23,000 nautical miles, showcasing her resilience and determination. Upon her return, she was welcomed as a hero, inspiring many young adventurers around the world with her extraordinary accomplishment.
Continue ReadingCalifornia Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
On this date, California became the second U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage, following a ruling by the California Supreme Court. The court found that a prior ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, paving the way for same-sex couples to marry in the state. This monumental decision came after years of advocacy by LGBTQ+ rights groups and marked a significant shift in the legal landscape regarding marriage equality in the United States. Couples across California celebrated as they gained the legal right to marry in what many viewed as a long-awaited victory.
Continue ReadingArsenal F.C. Achieves Unbeaten League Campaign
Arsenal F.C. concluded the Premier League season unbeaten, matching the historic record set by Preston North End F.C. in 1888-89. The Gunners' unbeaten run was a remarkable achievement under manager Arsène Wenger, creating a legendary status for the team. They secured their last match against Leicester City, finishing the season with an astonishing 26 wins and 12 draws, which crafted a unique legacy as 'The Invincibles'. The season highlighted their dominance in English football during this period.
Continue ReadingDriverless Train Travels 66 Miles in Ohio
A CSX EMD SD40-2 locomotive rolled out of a train yard in Walbridge, Ohio, pulling 47 freight cars, including tank cars loaded with flammable chemicals. The incident occurred after the engineer failed to reboard the train following the setting of a yard switch. The runaway train traveled driverless for 66 miles (106 km) before being stopped near Kenton, Ohio. This unusual event highlights vulnerabilities in railroad operations.
Continue Reading