Missouri’s Little Dixie, 1899–1921

Focusing on the Little Dixie region of Missouri from 1899 to 1921, this chapter examines the practice of whipping by whites as a means of controlling the black population, a practice with roots in slavery. It also explores the interlocking practice of black expulsion from those places where such whippings occurred. First, the chapter details the actions and motivations of the mob members and their widespread support from law enforcement officials and the white population generally. Second, it examines the various sundown towns found in Little Dixie and the role of whippings in maintaining them. Finally, the chapter speculates on the significance of these findings for the historiography of racist violence and sundown towns.