New history book describes Reconstruction in Goldsboro
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on August 1, 2007 1:45 PM
The historical account of life in Wayne County, "After Sherman's March: Goldsboro at the End of the Civil War," has arrived at the Wayne County Museum.
The author, Emily Weil, said the books are $25 plus tax and can also be found at the museum, the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation office, Waynesborough Village and Parker Advertising. Profits from book sales will go to benefit the Wayne County Historical Association, which operates the museum.
In 1865, Goldsboro was taken over by federal troops following the Battle of Bentonville.
The town remained under martial law for several years afterward while the South was going through Reconstruction. Many who had been community leaders before the war were disenfranchised and not allowed to vote nor hold office. Citizens could be detained by authorities for no reason. The region's economy had been destroyed and many people lived in poverty while others profited from the radical changes.
In 1868, North Carolina re-entered the Union. Martial law ended in Goldboro.
The book follows what happened to the family of the ousted mayor, James Privott, and described what life was like in Wayne County during that time.