The Knights of the Golden Circle in Texas

Description

How a Secret Society Helped Provoke Civil War

Randolph W. Farmer

The United States today is a divided nation, and some say the country may be heading toward a breakup or possibly civil war. That has happened before, and the result was disastrous. As many as 750,000 Americans perished during the Civil War. A study of the causes of our last Civil War may help to prevent another.

The Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) played a major role in starting the Civil War in the United States. Although intended to remain a secret organization of conspirators, it is perhaps the most well-documented conspiracy in United States history. The goal of the KGC was the creation of a new society separate from the United States dedicated to the preservation and expansion of slavery into Latin America.

The KGC existed in almost every state in the Union, but nowhere was it as powerful and successful as it was in Texas. Several governors, many senators, and military leaders were members, having taken an oath to support the organization and their fellow members. Most of the documents generated by the KGC were destroyed after the war ended, as its members feared execution for treason.

Not everything was destroyed, though. This book relies on documents created by the organization and its members that have not previously been used by researchers. Many members of this organization remained in positions of authority in state affairs after the abolition of slavery. This book goes far beyond previously published work in establishing the identities of the members of this organization who promoted and encouraged the most disastrous war in American history.

Randolph W. Farmer is a native Texan from a family whose ancestors first came to Texas as early as 1817 when it was still a Spanish possession. He is the author of two previously published books on Texas history.

Imprint: Vita Histria
382 pp., 6 x 9 in
Hardcover
Date of Publication: February 23, 2021
ISBN 978-1-59211-087-2
US$39.99; UK£29.99

Softbound
Date of Publication: September 13, 2022
ISBN 978-1-59211-157-2
US$29.99; UK£24.99