The 1921 Tulsa Massacre: History of Mob Attacks, Racism, and Arson

The Greenwood District, dubbed "Black Wall Street" due to its prosperity, bore the brunt of the brutality, with more than 35 square blocks engulfed in flames by the rampaging mob. The affluent enclave, thriving with Black-owned enterprises, was reduced to smoldering ruins.

The aftermath of the massacre was marked by a staggering toll of human suffering. Over 800 individuals required medical attention, while approximately 6,000 Black residents were detained in makeshift facilities, enduring harrowing conditions for days on end.

Official records paint a grim picture of the casualties, with conflicting figures highlighting the chaos and confusion surrounding the tragedy. The Oklahoma Bureau of Vital Statistics documented 36 fatalities, yet subsequent investigations have uncovered evidence of at least 39 deaths, with estimates suggesting the toll could range from 75 to 300 lives lost.