Crime & Outlaws
J.C. Collins Lynched in Mondak, 1913
Mondak, Roosevelt County (near Plentywood, Sheridan County)
On April 4, 1913, J.C. Collins, an African American construction worker, was lynched by a mob in Mondak, Montana. This tragic event occurred after Collins was accused of killing Sheridan County Sheriff Thomas Courtney and a deputized citizen.
The mob forcibly removed Collins from jail and subjected him to vigilante justice, hanging him from a power pole and riddling his body with bullets. The lynching of J.C. Collins is a stark reminder of the racial violence and lawlessness that sometimes plagued the American West.
Mondak, a bustling but often unruly boomtown near the Montana-North Dakota border, was known for its saloons and transient population. This incident highlights a dark chapter in Montana's history, reflecting the deep-seated racial prejudices and the breakdown of legal processes in certain frontier communities.
Frequently asked questions
What happened on April 4 in Montana history?
J.C. Collins Lynched in Mondak, 1913. On April 4, 1913, J.C. Collins, an African American construction worker, was lynched by a mob in Mondak, Montana. This tragic event occurred after Collins was accused of killing Sheridan County Sheriff Thomas Courtney and a deputized citizen.
Where did this take place?
This April 4 event is associated with Mondak, Roosevelt County (near Plentywood, Sheridan County).
When did this event happen?
It took place in 1913, on April 4.
Why does this day matter in Montana history?
Mondak, a bustling but often unruly boomtown near the Montana-North Dakota border, was known for its saloons and transient population. This incident highlights a dark chapter in Montana's history, reflecting the deep-seated racial prejudices and the breakdown of legal processes in certain frontier communities.
Topics: Lynching · Mondak · Sheridan County · Racial Violence · J.C. Collins