The Lumbee Triumph

In the heart of Robeson County, North Carolina, the Lumbee tribe stood resilient against the currents of prejudice and hatred that flowed through the 1950s. Renowned as one of the most prosperous Native American tribes in the United States, the Lumbee faced a formidable adversary in the form of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). Led by the venomous Klan leader and radio evangelist James "Catfish" Cole, the Lumbee found themselves targeted for their existence and demonized for their intermarriage with whites in the area. This article delves into the harrowing events that transpired in 1958, when the Lumbee, defiant and armed, confronted the Klan at Hayes Pond, leaving an indelible mark on history.

For generations, the Lumbee tribe has called Robeson County, North Carolina, their home. Proud and resilient, they have carved out a prosperous existence in a landscape fraught with challenges. Known for their economic success and cultural vibrancy, the Lumbee stand as a testament to the resilience of Native American communities in the face of historical injustices. However, their prosperity drew the ire of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1950s, setting the stage for a dramatic and fateful encounter.

In the 1950s, the Lumbee found themselves in the crosshairs of the Ku Klux Klan, an organization notorious for its racist ideology and acts of violence. Klan leader James "Catfish" Cole, a radio evangelist, took it upon himself to embark on what he deemed a holy mission—to put the Lumbee "in their place." Cole's vitriolic rhetoric labeled the Lumbee as "mongrels" and demonized them for intermarrying with whites in the area. The Lumbee, resilient and proud, refused to be cowed by the Klan's intimidation tactics.

In the wake of Catfish Cole's incendiary words, the Klan's animosity manifested in a series of violent acts against Lumbee families. Cross burnings illuminated the night, casting an ominous glow over Lumbee homes, while acts of vandalism sought to instill fear and submission. The Lumbee, however, did not yield to the intimidation. Instead, they stood firm, resisting the Klan's attempts to undermine their existence and prosperity.

Undeterred by police warnings, Catfish Cole and his Klansmen persisted in their campaign against the Lumbee. Fliers were distributed, advertising a large Klan rally designed to further drive fear into the Lumbee tribe. Authorities, recognizing the potential for violence, cautioned Cole against entering Robeson County. However, the Lumbee, known for their resilience, were not so easily intimidated. The stage was set for a confrontation that would go down in history as the Battle of Hayes Pond.

On the fateful night of January 18, 1958, Cole and his Klansmen gathered at Hayes Pond, unaware that 500 armed and angry Lumbee were hiding in the surrounding forest. The rally began with a sermon and the singing of hymns, creating an atmosphere of tension and anticipation. Little did the Klan know that their plans were about to be disrupted in a spectacular and unexpected manner.

As Cole stood on the podium to deliver his venomous speech, shots rang out, disabling the lights and sound system. In a swift and coordinated maneuver, the Lumbee emerged from their hiding places, armed and shouting traditional war whoops. The Klansmen, stunned by the surprise attack, scattered in disarray. The Lumbee had turned the tables, confronting their oppressors with a force they never expected.

Caught off guard by the Lumbee's unexpected resistance, the Klan descended into chaos. The darkness of Hayes Pond became a scene of pandemonium as the Klansmen, disoriented and panicked, attempted to flee. Catfish Cole, the orchestrator of hatred, abandoned his wife and sought refuge in a swamp full of reeds. Other Klansmen, lost in the woods or hiding in the swamps, were found by the police. The Battle of Hayes Pond had shattered the Klan's attempt to intimidate the Lumbee.

After the resounding victory at Hayes Pond, the Lumbee gathered the spoils of war left behind by the fleeing Klansmen. Among the items were an unburned cross, a large KKK banner, robes, flags, and various regalia. In an act of defiance and triumph, the Lumbee paraded through the local town of Pembroke, displaying their loot to the community. The symbolic victory continued as they piled all the Klan regalia in an open pit and set it ablaze, eradicating the remnants of hatred and intolerance.

With the Klan routed and their symbols of hatred reduced to ashes, the Lumbee embraced a night of jubilation. Dancing and revelry echoed through the community as the victors of Hayes Pond celebrated their triumph over oppression. The Lumbee had not only defended

their existence but had also sent a powerful message—a message that intolerance and bigotry would not be tolerated in their community.

In the aftermath of the Battle of Hayes Pond, justice caught up with Catfish Cole. Serving as a Klan leader and radio evangelist, Cole found himself facing the consequences of his role in inciting a riot. He was sentenced to two years in prison, a symbolic victory for the Lumbee and a tangible demonstration of the repercussions that awaited those who sought to spread hatred and violence.

The Battle of Hayes Pond marked a turning point in the history of Robeson County. The Lumbee's decisive victory not only silenced the Klan's hatred but also led to a cessation of Klan activities in the area. The Lumbee had stood firm against intimidation, showcasing the power of unity and resilience in the face of bigotry. Robeson County, once a battleground of hatred, emerged as a symbol of triumph over intolerance.

The Battle of Hayes Pond stands as a testament to the Lumbee's unwavering spirit, resilience, and triumph over adversity. In the face of Ku Klux Klan intimidation, the Lumbee refused to be subdued, confronting their oppressors with courage and strength. The night of January 18, 1958, became a defining moment in their history, signaling the defeat of hatred and the rise of a community that would not be divided. The Lumbee legacy endures as a beacon of hope, reminding us that unity and resistance can overcome even the darkest forces of prejudice and intolerance.