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1902 Shiloh Baptist Church stampede...
1902 Shiloh Baptist Church stampede...
Item # 718032
September 20, 1902
WELLSVILLE DAILY REPORTER, New York, September 20, 1902
* Shiloh Baptist Church stampede
* Birmingham, Alabama black church
* Booker T. Washington was present
The top of the front page has a one column heading: "CRASH ON HUMANITY" with subheads. (see images)
Complete with 8 pages, light toning and minor wear at the margins, generally in good condition.
AI notes: The Shiloh Baptist Church stampede occurred on September 19, 1902, in Birmingham, Alabama, and was one of the deadliest stampedes in American history. The tragedy unfolded during a packed meeting at the church, which was hosting an address by Booker T. Washington, a prominent Black educator and orator.
Over 3,000 people filled the church, far exceeding its capacity. During Washington's speech, a misunderstanding erupted—someone reportedly accused another attendee of being a pickpocket, which escalated into a false alarm about a fight or possible fire. In the chaos, people rushed for the exits, causing a deadly stampede.
The narrow stairways and crowded exits caused 117 people—mostly African American men and women—to be crushed or suffocated to death, with many others injured. The incident shocked the nation and highlighted serious issues regarding building safety, crowd control, and emergency preparedness in public gathering spaces.
Despite the horror of the event, it did not deter the work of Booker T. Washington or the church community, though it remains a somber chapter in the history of American civil life.
Category: The 20th Century
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