New York Times, January 9, 1900

RACE WAR IN VIRGINIA.

African-Americans -- Racial violence

The Negroes on Chincoteague Island Appeal to the Governor.

Special to The New York Times.

Norfolk, Va. Jan. 8.

A state of war exists among the whites and blacks on Chincoteague Island, on the coast of Virginia, and so serious has the trouble become that an appeal has been made to the Governor by the negroes for protection. The whites are largely in the majority and have declared that the negroes must leave the island.

Many of Chincoteague's residents have eccentric customs, some burying their dead above ground. A criticism of this by a negro, it is stated, started the trouble. There are no regular officials on the island, and lawlessness is prevalent, the negroes invariably suffering. The gunboat Chesapeake of the Virginia oyster navy may be ordered to the scene.

Chincoteague's business principally consists of catching and shipping soft-shell fish to the Northern and Western markets. The business is at a standstill because of the race troubles. Bloodshed appears to be imminent.

New York Times
New York
January 9, 1900