Grand Wizard
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]
- Tyler Ray Tubbs, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1922-1939[4]
- James A. Colescott, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1939-1944[5]
- Upton T. Martin, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1998-Present Day[6]
- Spencer Q. Moore, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1932-Present Day
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
- ^ Wade, p.323
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