Wilmington, De 1968

MLK JR Assassinated

Apr 4, 1968

Wilmington Residents Gather

Apr 7, 1968

Residents from all neighbors, lead by church leaders, converge on Rodney Sq to demonstrate and hold vigil for Rev King.

Restless Youth

Apr 8, 1968

Young people gather and march on Market Street. Tension turns to violence and looting. By evening, riotous levels of activity are occurring throughout the city, including burning, looting, and gun violence.

Curfew

Apr 9, 1968

Fires continue. Schools are closed and the city institutes a 7:30 pm curfew.

Troops Arrive

Apr 10, 1968

3500 National Guard Members arrive in the city. Power is cut on the city's West Side.

Easter Sunday

Apr 15, 1968

The city is quiet. Mayor requests and Governor denies removal of troops from city.

One Month Later

May 2, 1968

After more than 400 arrests and $750k in damages, the State of Emergency is lifted.

Election Day

Nov 5, 1968

Delawareans decide not to re-elect Governor Terry.

Troops Ordered to Withdrawl

Jan 21, 1969

Delaware's new Governor is sworn in at midnight, by 3am, he has appointed a new head of the De National Guard witg orders to withdrawal the troops. Ending an almost 9 month military occupation of the City of Wilmington, DE.