Ohio State Konklave meeting photograph

Night meeting of the Ohio State Konklave, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan at Buckeye Lake on July 12, 1923. The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was originally founded in 1866, but was disbanded in the years after the Civil War. The Klan arose again in 1915 by the efforts of William Joseph Simmons. This new Klan not only targeted blacks, but Catholics, Jews, and foreigners. During the 1920s, Klan membership increased dramatically. In Ohio, membership is estimated to have reached 300,000. Rallies like this one occurring at Buckeye Lake were some of the biggest in the country during this time. At this time, Licking County had a strong Klan presence, one reason why this site was chosen for the statewide konklave (meeting). The all-day event included speeches by notable Klan members, an initiation ceremony, a cross set afire, and fireworks. It is estimated that the rally drew 75,000 attendees. Text at bottom of image reads "OHIO STATE KLONKLAVE KNIGHTS OF THE-KU-KLUX-KLAN BUCKEYE LAKE JULY 12 - 1923.