35 Facts About Knights Of The Golden Circle

Origins of the Knights of the Golden Circle

The Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) was a secret society in the United States during the mid-19th century. They had grand plans and a controversial mission.

1. The KGC was founded in 1854 by George W. L. Bickley, a doctor, editor, and adventurer.
2. The society aimed to create a new empire centered around the Gulf of Mexico, including southern U.S. states, Mexico, and parts of Central America.
3. The name "Golden Circle" referred to the envisioned empire's boundaries, which would form a circle with a 1,200-mile radius.

Political Influence and Activities

The KGC had significant political ambitions and engaged in various activities to further their goals.

4. Members of the KGC were strong supporters of the Southern cause and the institution of slavery.
5. The society sought to annex territories to expand the number of slave-holding states.
6. They were involved in several plots to incite rebellion in Mexico and Central America.
7. During the American Civil War, the KGC supported the Confederacy and engaged in espionage and sabotage against the Union.

Membership and Structure

The KGC had a complex structure and a secretive membership process.

8. Membership was restricted to white men who supported the Southern cause.
9. The society was organized into "castles," which were local chapters.
10. Each castle had its own officers and operated semi-independently.
11. Members took oaths of secrecy and loyalty to the KGC's mission.

Symbols and Rituals

The KGC used various symbols and rituals to maintain secrecy and unity among its members.

12. The society's emblem featured a circle with a cross inside, symbolizing their goal of creating a new empire.
13. Members used secret handshakes and passwords to identify each other.
14. Meetings often included elaborate ceremonies and rituals to reinforce loyalty and commitment.

Notable Members and Leaders

Several prominent figures were associated with the KGC, either as members or sympathizers.

15. John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, was rumored to have been a member.
16. Jesse James, the infamous outlaw, was also believed to have been involved with the KGC.
17. Confederate General Albert Pike was a known supporter of the society.
18. George W. L. Bickley, the founder, was the most prominent leader and organizer.

Decline and Legacy

The KGC's influence waned after the Civil War, but their legacy persisted in various ways.

19. The society's plans for a Southern empire never materialized, and their activities diminished after the Confederacy's defeat.
20. Some former members continued to engage in secretive activities and criminal enterprises.
21. The KGC's legacy influenced later secret societies and fraternal organizations in the United States.
22. The society's history has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and conspiracy theories.

Myths and Legends

The KGC has been the focus of many myths and legends, some of which persist to this day.

23. One popular legend claims that the KGC buried vast amounts of treasure across the United States.
24. Treasure hunters have searched for these hidden caches for decades, often with little success.
25. Some believe that the KGC's treasure was intended to fund a second Confederate uprising.
26. The society's secretive nature has fueled countless conspiracy theories about their true intentions and activities.

Modern Interest and Pop Culture

Interest in the KGC has persisted into modern times, with the society appearing in various forms of media.

27. The KGC has been featured in novels, movies, and television shows, often as mysterious villains or secretive organizations.
28. The society's history has inspired numerous works of fiction, blending fact and fantasy.
29. Some modern fraternal organizations claim to be the successors of the KGC, though their legitimacy is often questioned.
30. The KGC's story continues to captivate historians, treasure hunters, and conspiracy theorists alike.

Controversies and Criticisms

The KGC has faced significant criticism and controversy over the years, particularly regarding their support for slavery and the Confederacy.

31. Historians have condemned the society's pro-slavery stance and efforts to expand the institution.
32. The KGC's involvement in espionage and sabotage during the Civil War has been widely criticized.
33. Some view the society as a symbol of Southern resistance and defiance, while others see it as a dangerous and divisive force.
34. The KGC's secretive nature and use of rituals have led to comparisons with other controversial secret societies.

Historical Impact and Significance

Despite their controversial nature, the KGC played a significant role in American history during the mid-19th century.

35. The society's activities and ambitions reflected the deep divisions and tensions in the United States leading up to the Civil War.

Final Glimpse into the Knights of the Golden Circle

The Knights of the Golden Circle left a significant mark on American history. Their secretive nature, grand ambitions, and controversial activities continue to intrigue historians and enthusiasts alike. From their plans to create a slave empire to their rumored hidden treasures, the KGC's legacy is a mix of fact and legend. Understanding their impact helps us grasp the complexities of the Civil War era and the lengths to which some groups went to shape the nation's future. While many of their secrets remain buried, the stories and myths surrounding the KGC keep their memory alive. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, the Knights of the Golden Circle offer a fascinating glimpse into a turbulent time in American history. Keep exploring, and who knows what other secrets you might uncover about this enigmatic group.