Klansville USA

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In Raleigh, North Carolina Bob Jones transformed the Klu Klux Klan into a group so big and influential the city itself earned the name Klansville, USA. What started as just a small group of friends, Bob Jones grew the Klan to thousands of members. 

Bob Jones was the son of a carpenter who lived in North Carolina. Throughout his life Jones was referred to as "white trash" and it is assumed this is one of the reasons his strong racial feelings developed. He dropped out of high school and joined the United States Navy. He was discharged after refusing to salute a black officer. He stated, "I will salute the uniform all day, but I will not salute a ***." 

He started the Klan and grew it tremendously. He was the Grand Dragon of the Klan in North Carolina during the 1960s. By 1965 North Carolina's klan had over 12,000 members making it the biggest klan in the United States. 

During his time as Grand Dragon, he was investigated for his involvement with the klan. He refused to provide authorities with any documents and the house of representatives voted to cite him for contempt of congress. On August 14, 1966, thousands of people gathered outside the memorial auditorium in Raleigh, NC. People showed up wearing white and waving the confederate flag. There was a heavy police presence to remain order in the crowd. The United Klans of America called this rally to show support for Klan leaders being investigated by congress and the FBI. Bob Jones was facing a possible prison sentence, compromising the future of the Klu Klux Klan. 

Bob Jones was indicted, tried, convicted, and sentenced to one year in prison as well as a $1,000 fine. Following his release from prison in 1970, he cut his involvement from the Klan because of the new leadership that had taken over while he was in prison. 


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