The original Ku Klux Klan was founded here on December 24th, 1865 at the law office of Judge Thomas M. Jones. Pulaski, Tennessee. The “Jolly Six” as they referred to themselves were former Confederate Army veterans. In 1917, the Daughters of the Confederacy placed this bronze plaque on the building to commemorate the Klan’s original gathering. The plaque remained on the building for over 70 years, until it the building was purchased in 1990 and the new owner reversed it with text facing inwards. The plaque reads – KU KLUX KLAN ORGANIZED IN THIS, THE LAW OFFICE OF JUDGE THOMAS M. JONES, DECEMBER 24TH, 1885 NAME OF ORIGINAL ORGANIZERS CALVIN E. JONES. JOHN B. KENNEDY. FRANK O. MCCORD. JOHN C. LESTER. RICHARD R. REED. JAMES R. CROWE.
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The original Ku Klux Klan was founded here on December 24th, 1865 at the law office of Judge Thomas M. Jones. Pulaski, Tennessee.

The “Jolly Six” as they referred to themselves were former Confederate Army veterans. In 1917, the Daughters of the Confederacy placed this bronze plaque on the building to commemorate the Klan’s original gathering. The plaque remained on the building for over 70 years, until it the building was purchased in 1990 and the new owner reversed it with text facing inwards.

The plaque reads –

KU KLUX KLAN

ORGANIZED IN THIS,
THE LAW OFFICE OF
JUDGE THOMAS M. JONES,
DECEMBER 24TH, 1885
NAME OF ORIGINAL ORGANIZERS
CALVIN E. JONES. JOHN B. KENNEDY.
FRANK O. MCCORD. JOHN C. LESTER.
RICHARD R. REED. JAMES R. CROWE.
Mississippi. Cotton cut-outs that will be sewn together to form a traditional Ku Klux Klan helmet.
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Mississippi. Cotton cut-outs that will be sewn together to form a traditional Ku Klux Klan helmet.
Mississippi. At her busiest, Momma Ruth was sewing one robe a day on average and could work 70 to 94 hours a week. After having two strokes, she’s had a difficult time keeping up that pace and has since slowed down production.
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Mississippi. At her busiest, Momma Ruth was sewing one robe a day on average and could work 70 to 94 hours a week. After having two strokes, she’s had a difficult time keeping up that pace and has since slowed down production.
Mississippi. "Momma Ruth," a seamstress who makes robes for the Ku Klux Klan in the process of taking an robe order for an Imperial Wizard (an officer within the KKK).
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Mississippi. "Momma Ruth," a seamstress who makes robes for the Ku Klux Klan in the process of taking an robe order for an Imperial Wizard (an officer within the KKK).
Mississippi. "Momma Ruth" (right) a 63-year old Ku Klux Klan robe maker during the first meeting of the MKR (Momma’s Knight Rider’s of the Ku Klux Klan). Momma Ruth is the first woman to hold the rank of Imperial Wizard within the Klan's hierarchy.
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Mississippi. "Momma Ruth" (right) a 63-year old Ku Klux Klan robe maker during the first meeting of the MKR (Momma’s Knight Rider’s of the Ku Klux Klan). Momma Ruth is the first woman to hold the rank of Imperial Wizard within the Klan's hierarchy.

Ohiio. A Klanswoman attempts to get the contents of her home back in order following an FBI raid and search. Authorities were acting on a tip that her husband, the leader of a southern-based Klan realm who was previously arrested on an illegal weapons charge had posed with a firearm in a recent Facebook post (it is unlawful for a convicted felon to be in contact with a firearm). The couple believes that the reason for the raid was exaggerated and the actual intent was to commandeer a list of their members. The firearm was legally registered to his wife.
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Ohiio. A Klanswoman attempts to get the contents of her home back in order following an FBI raid and search.

Authorities were acting on a tip that her husband, the leader of a southern-based Klan realm who was previously arrested on an illegal weapons charge had posed with a firearm in a recent Facebook post (it is unlawful for a convicted felon to be in contact with a firearm).

The couple believes that the reason for the raid was exaggerated and the actual intent was to commandeer a list of their members. The firearm was legally registered to his wife.


Stone Mountain, GA. In 1915, William J. Simmons, a former Methodist preacher, launched a campaign to reestablish a new era of the Ku Klux Klan. Inspired by the film “The Birth of a Nation,” Simmons led a small group to the summit of Stone Mountain to set a cross ablaze in advance of the film’s debut. At the time of the Klan’s resurgence, Stone Mountain was owned by Samuel Venable, who was a quarry operator. Mr. Venable was a fan of “The Birth of a Nation,” and accompanied Simmons on that November night to become an active member of the Klan, hosting regular ceremonies on the mountain.
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Stone Mountain, GA. In 1915, William J. Simmons, a former Methodist preacher, launched a campaign to reestablish a new era of the Ku Klux Klan. Inspired by the film “The Birth of a Nation,” Simmons led a small group to the summit of Stone Mountain to set a cross ablaze in advance of the film’s debut.

At the time of the Klan’s resurgence, Stone Mountain was owned by Samuel Venable, who was a quarry operator. Mr. Venable was a fan of “The Birth of a Nation,” and accompanied Simmons on that November night to become an active member of the Klan, hosting regular ceremonies on the mountain.
Arkansas. An active volunteer within the civil war re-enactment community, this Imperial officer of a mid-western based Ku Klux Klan realm arrives at a historical battlefield prior to a public event.
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Arkansas. An active volunteer within the civil war re-enactment community, this Imperial officer of a mid-western based Ku Klux Klan realm arrives at a historical battlefield prior to a public event.


Missouri. An Imperial Wizard of a mid-western based Klan realm, his wife and Imperial officer food shooping prior to a weekend unity gathering. 
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Missouri. An Imperial Wizard of a mid-western based Klan realm, his wife and Imperial officer food shooping prior to a weekend unity gathering. 
Harrison, Arkansas. A billboard mocking the “politically correct meaning” and “dangers” of forced Diversity, sits under the “Welcome to Harrison” sign. According to a recent petition on the White House’s “We The People,” website, “White Genocide is - “all white countries and only white countries are being flooded with third worlders, and whites are forced by law to integrate with them as to “assimilate,” i.e. intermarry and be blended out of existence.” “Deliberately inflicting on group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or part.” “Diversity is a code word for White Genocide.”
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Harrison, Arkansas. A billboard mocking the “politically correct meaning” and “dangers” of forced Diversity, sits under the “Welcome to Harrison” sign.


According to a recent petition on the White House’s “We The People,” website, “White Genocide is - “all white countries and only white countries are being flooded with third worlders, and whites are forced by law to integrate with them as to “assimilate,” i.e. intermarry and be blended out of existence.”


“Deliberately inflicting on group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or part.”


“Diversity is a code word for White Genocide.”

Zinc, Arkansas.
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Zinc, Arkansas.
Zinc, Arkansas. Pastor Thomas Robb is keyed up with a microphone shortly before his weekly online program "The Minority Report," during the recording of the History Channels "Beneath The Hood" documentary.
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Zinc, Arkansas. Pastor Thomas Robb is keyed up with a microphone shortly before his weekly online program "The Minority Report," during the recording of the History Channels "Beneath The Hood" documentary.
Zinc, Arkansas. Thomas Robb's dog "White Dog," coming up the steps at the Knights Party of the KKK's church compound.
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Zinc, Arkansas. Thomas Robb's dog "White Dog," coming up the steps at the Knights Party of the KKK's church compound.
Zinc, Arkansas. A photograph of Madge Britton (on right) hangs in the Knight's Party Church foyer. Pastor Britton was a fiery speaker who spoke to tent crowds up until her death in the late eighties when she was in her eighties herself. A good friend of Pastor Robb, this woman was active throughout the nation speaking out against integration, abortion, homosexuality, and globalism. She published a newsletter about the corruption in government which went to "patriots" throughout the world. Pastor Britton had her own ministry and taught the Bible over a period of sixty years.
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Zinc, Arkansas. A photograph of Madge Britton (on right) hangs in the Knight's Party Church foyer.

Pastor Britton was a fiery speaker who spoke to tent crowds up until her death in the late eighties when she was in her eighties herself. A good friend of Pastor Robb, this woman was active throughout the nation speaking out against integration, abortion, homosexuality, and globalism. She published a newsletter about the corruption in government which went to "patriots" throughout the world. Pastor Britton had her own ministry and taught the Bible over a period of sixty years.
Zinc, Arkansas. Klanswomen of the Knights Party prepare lunch at their annual 3-day weekend congress.
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Zinc, Arkansas. Klanswomen of the Knights Party prepare lunch at their annual 3-day weekend congress.
Baton Rogue, Louisiana. Klan gathering in Baton Rouge, LA.
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Baton Rogue, Louisiana. Klan gathering in Baton Rouge, LA.
Kentucky. A Klan hosted Memorial Day weekend cookout at a former 15-acre paramilitary compoud. 
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Kentucky. A Klan hosted Memorial Day weekend cookout at a former 15-acre paramilitary compoud. 
Baton Rogue, Louisiana. Two Klan members prepare for a ceremony.
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Baton Rogue, Louisiana. Two Klan members prepare for a ceremony.
Baton Rogue, Louisiana. Caught by surprise, April is given a cotton Third National Confederate Battle Flag, signed by all the members of her group.
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Baton Rogue, Louisiana. Caught by surprise, April is given a cotton Third National Confederate Battle Flag, signed by all the members of her group.
Tennessee. Two "LOTIE''s (Ladies Of The Invisible Empire) arrive at a Klan rally.
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Tennessee. Two "LOTIE''s (Ladies Of The Invisible Empire) arrive at a Klan rally.
South Caroliina. An impromptu Klan rally, following a public protest at the Columbia state capital building.
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South Caroliina. An impromptu Klan rally, following a public protest at the Columbia state capital building.
North Carolina. A Klan unity gathering. 
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North Carolina. A Klan unity gathering. 
Baton Rogue, Louisiana. A "Mioak" tattoo displayed at a Klan gathering. "Mioak" stands for: The Mystic Insignia of a Klansman. Today it is most commonly known as the Blood Drop Cross. It is displayed as the patch seen on the robes of Klansmen. It is also a part of the Imperial Seal of the Klan.
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Baton Rogue, Louisiana. A "Mioak" tattoo displayed at a Klan gathering. "Mioak" stands for: The Mystic Insignia of a Klansman. Today it is most commonly known as the Blood Drop Cross. It is displayed as the patch seen on the robes of Klansmen. It is also a part of the Imperial Seal of the Klan.
Tennessee. Momma Ruth and her late husband Bobby sold merchandise which catered to the white separatist community. Items such as patches, buttons, tee-shirts and custom Klan robes were sold online and on occasion they'd setup a makeshift store during Klan unity events.
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Tennessee. Momma Ruth and her late husband Bobby sold merchandise which catered to the white separatist community. Items such as patches, buttons, tee-shirts and custom Klan robes were sold online and on occasion they'd setup a makeshift store during Klan unity events.
Virginia. Children playing during a Klan unity gathering.
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Virginia. Children playing during a Klan unity gathering.
Baton Rogue, Louisiana. Klansmen prepare for a protest-caravan through a neighboring town. Frustrated with an increased crime rate, which is filtering into their community, these Klan members decided it was time to make their presence known in an effort to gain support and new membership.
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Baton Rogue, Louisiana. Klansmen prepare for a protest-caravan through a neighboring town. Frustrated with an increased crime rate, which is filtering into their community, these Klan members decided it was time to make their presence known in an effort to gain support and new membership.


South Carolina. Following a Klan sponsored rally in objection to the removal of the confederate flag from South Carolina’s state capital building, the girlfriend of a Klansman collapsed from heat exhaustion as the group was being escorted back to their vehicles.
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South Carolina. Following a Klan sponsored rally in objection to the removal of the confederate flag from South Carolina’s state capital building, the girlfriend of a Klansman collapsed from heat exhaustion as the group was being escorted back to their vehicles.

Trion, Georgia. A small impromptu gathering of a newly formed Klan group.
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Trion, Georgia. A small impromptu gathering of a newly formed Klan group.

Missouri. A ceremonial Klan robe hangs by a tree shortly before a cross lighting ceremony, which will take place at dusk.
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Missouri. A ceremonial Klan robe hangs by a tree shortly before a cross lighting ceremony, which will take place at dusk.

Missouri. Richard, the Imperial Kludd (chaplain) for a mid-western Klan realm.
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Missouri. Richard, the Imperial Kludd (chaplain) for a mid-western Klan realm.
Tennessee. In a makeshift tailoring office made from a portable mini trailer, "Momma Ruth" conducts business during a three-day Ku Klux Klan gathering in Tennessee.
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Tennessee. In a makeshift tailoring office made from a portable mini trailer, "Momma Ruth" conducts business during a three-day Ku Klux Klan gathering in Tennessee.
Virginia. Klansmen wrap a 12-foot wooden cross in burlap in preperation for a cross lighting ceremony.
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Virginia. Klansmen wrap a 12-foot wooden cross in burlap in preperation for a cross lighting ceremony.
Baton Rogue, Louisiana. A since retired Imperial Wizard of a southen-based Klan realm.
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Baton Rogue, Louisiana. A since retired Imperial Wizard of a southen-based Klan realm.
Missouri. A group of Klan folk gather for a wedding at the Fort Davison state historic site and the Missouri Civil War battle of Pilot Knob.
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Missouri. A group of Klan folk gather for a wedding at the Fort Davison state historic site and the Missouri Civil War battle of Pilot Knob.

North Carolina. Klan unity weekend. 
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North Carolina. Klan unity weekend. 
South Carolina. 
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South Carolina. 
Tennessee. Members of several Klan organizations in a moment of prayer prior to a triple wedding ceremony.
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Tennessee. Members of several Klan organizations in a moment of prayer prior to a triple wedding ceremony.
Missouri. Klan members go into a military-type formation in preparation for a Ku Klux Klan wedding ritual ceremony.
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Missouri. Klan members go into a military-type formation in preparation for a Ku Klux Klan wedding ritual ceremony.
Mississippi. During this station of the naturalization, the blindfolded candidate is guided to stand on a chair as a noose is placed upon his neck and tightened. The person is then asked if he/she trusts the noose-man and is instructed to step off the chair in an act of faith. Throughout the rituals, proposed Klansmen/Klanswomen are blindfolded, and then with one arm placed on the shoulder of the person before them, they are led through the woods at a sometimes-vigorous pace. The link is not to be broken as they are questioned on Klan history and intimidated occasionally with the sound of a firearm. According to Klan beliefs, the "hazing" actually has symbolic purpose, and builds mutual trust, loyalty and reveals personal bravery and dedication.
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Mississippi. During this station of the naturalization, the blindfolded candidate is guided to stand on a chair as a noose is placed upon his neck and tightened. The person is then asked if he/she trusts the noose-man and is instructed to step off the chair in an act of faith.

Throughout the rituals, proposed Klansmen/Klanswomen are blindfolded, and then with one arm placed on the shoulder of the person before them, they are led through the woods at a sometimes-vigorous pace. The link is not to be broken as they are questioned on Klan history and intimidated occasionally with the sound of a firearm.

According to Klan beliefs, the "hazing" actually has symbolic purpose, and builds mutual trust, loyalty and reveals personal bravery and dedication.
Miissouri. A sacred altar used to naturalize prospects into the Invisible Empire. Naturalization is becoming a citizen of the Invisible Empire, and “is not unlike becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States", according to a comment made by the late Imperial Wizard Dale Fox.
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Miissouri. A sacred altar used to naturalize prospects into the Invisible Empire. Naturalization is becoming a citizen of the Invisible Empire, and “is not unlike becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States", according to a comment made by the late Imperial Wizard Dale Fox.
Tennessee. Blindfolded probates wishing to become citizens of the "Invisible Empire" during a naturalization ritual.
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Tennessee. Blindfolded probates wishing to become citizens of the "Invisible Empire" during a naturalization ritual.
Tennessee. Probates wishing to become citizens of the “Invisible Empire" take part in a naturalization ritual.
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Tennessee. Probates wishing to become citizens of the “Invisible Empire" take part in a naturalization ritual.
Missouri. Probates wishing to become initiated into Ku Klux Klan take their oaths as part of the naturalization ritual.
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Missouri. Probates wishing to become initiated into Ku Klux Klan take their oaths as part of the naturalization ritual.

Tennessee. Probates are knighted during the final phase of the naturalization ceremony. It is at this time when they are considered a Klansman (or LOTIE) and welcomed into the Invisible Empire.
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Tennessee. Probates are knighted during the final phase of the naturalization ceremony. It is at this time when they are considered a Klansman (or LOTIE) and welcomed into the Invisible Empire.
Arkansas. Members and supporting Klan realms from five different states came together for a two-day weekend of racial unity. The gathering included BBQ’s, a raffle (shown here), fellowship, an award ceremony and a Klan naturalization. A historical cannon was fired every hour on the hour during daylight hours, until local neighbors complained. Saturday evening closed with a cross lighting ceremony which, according to Klan ideology, dispels darkness and ignorance. Due to a statewide burn ban; the lighting was carried out with Christmas tree lights.
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Arkansas. Members and supporting Klan realms from five different states came together for a two-day weekend of racial unity. The gathering included BBQ’s, a raffle (shown here), fellowship, an award ceremony and a Klan naturalization. A historical cannon was fired every hour on the hour during daylight hours, until local neighbors complained. Saturday evening closed with a cross lighting ceremony which, according to Klan ideology, dispels darkness and ignorance. Due to a statewide burn ban; the lighting was carried out with Christmas tree lights.

Trion, Georgia. With a flashlight in his mouth, this Imperial Knighthawk (security within Klan ranks) makes some adjustments to his 5-year old son CJ’s robe prior to a cross lighting. CJ’s mother fabricated the robe out of left over material after making her husbands robe.
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Trion, Georgia. With a flashlight in his mouth, this Imperial Knighthawk (security within Klan ranks) makes some adjustments to his 5-year old son CJ’s robe prior to a cross lighting. CJ’s mother fabricated the robe out of left over material after making her husbands robe.

Tennessee. Klan members from several Klan realms partake in a cross lighting ceremony hosted by the Brotherhood of the Klans. - signifying the light of Christ and also meant to bring spiritual truth to a world that is blinded by misinformation and darkness.
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Tennessee. Klan members from several Klan realms partake in a cross lighting ceremony hosted by the Brotherhood of the Klans. - signifying the light of Christ and also meant to bring spiritual truth to a world that is blinded by misinformation and darkness.

Beginning in 2005 as a novice photojournalist, I was granted access to a cross lighting ceremony with a Ku Klux Klan group based in Arkansas. Since that time, documenting the Klan has become one of several long-term projects which I try to keep current.

I realize the story has been photographed many times before, including by well-known photojournalists, but I felt the majority of images hinged on sensationalism and focused primarily on the obvious – the robes and the cross lighting ceremony. It became my objective to capture the most interesting and basic elements, ones that would be the most challenging and difficult for most photojournalists to follow.

The states represented in my Visura edit are - Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.