Ku Klux Klan

Although there were many good people in Terre Haute, who were willing to stand up for slaves and risk their own lives by participating in the Underground Railroad, there was also great evil. There were two chapters of the Ku Klux Klan in Terre Haute, Terre Haute Klan #7 and Otter Klan #91. These chapters met at the Klan Home in Klan Park that was located at 1501 N 13th Street, which was located only three blocks from the Lincoln School (all black school). Every member of the Klan had to pay $10 to join and an additional $6.50 for the white hood and robe. The Klan was not only a secret organization, but it also had tremendous influence in the community, especially in politics. A known Klan member in Terre Haute was an assistant pastor of the First United Brethren Church, Orval W. Baylor. It was not uncommon for men of the church to be members of the Ku Klux Klan at this time. The Klan was known to march up and down Wabash Avenue on Saturday nights. Supposedly, they would announce their marches and policies by posting flyers on lamp poles to warn others.

Furthermore, another Vigo County chapter Ku Klux Klan member was James A. Colescott. Colescott was a veterinarian who lived at 1032 N 4th Street. He also had his veterinary business at this address. He was a member of the local Klan chapter for about four years before he became the Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan of America in 1939.