Grand Wizard

This article is about the term used for the leader of the Ku Klux Klan. For the professional wrestling manager known as the Grand Wizard, see Ernie Roth.

Grand Wizard was the title given to the head of the Reconstruction-era Ku Klux Klan which existed from 1866 to 1871.^[1]

In 1915, the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan were created along the lines of a fraternal organization. The highest-ranking leader of the latter organization was the Imperial Wizard. National officers were "Imperial" officers. State or "Realm" officers were "Grand" officers. A "Grand Dragon", for example, was the highest-ranking Klansman in a given state.

Following World War II, dozens of people have assumed the "Wizard" title as leaders of the numerous, independent, Klan-oriented organizations that have existed since then, the majority of which lack historical significance.

Grand or Imperial Wizards

This list excludes those of post-war, independent factions.

Nathan Bedford Forrest, Grand Wizard, Reconstruction Klan, 1867-1869^[2]
William J. Simmons, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1915-1922^[3]
Hiram Wesley Evans, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1922-1939^[4]
James A. Colescott, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1939-1944^[5]

References

↑ Quarles, Chester L. (1999). "Appendix I". The Ku Klux Klan and related American racialist and antisemitic organizations: a history and analysis. McFarland. ISBN 0-7864-0647-X.
↑ Wade, Wyn Craig (1998). The fiery cross: the Ku Klux Klan in America. Oxford University Press US. ISBN 0-19-512357-3.
↑ Wade, p.144
↑ Wade, p.188
↑ Wade, p.272

Grand Wizards and Imperial Wizards of the Ku Klux Klan

First Klan Nathan Bedford Forrest (1867–1869)

Second Klan and remnants William Joseph Simmons (1915–1922) Hiram Wesley Evans (1922–1939) James A. Colescott (1939–1944) Samuel Green (1946–1949) Samuel Roper (1949–1950) Eldon Edwards (c. 1950 – 1960)

United Klans of America Robert Shelton (1960–1987)

White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan Samuel Bowers (1964–1989) Johnny Lee Clary (1989–1990)

Knights of the Ku Klux Klan David Duke (1974–1979/1980) Don Black (1979/1980–1981)

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