THE BATTLE OF ATHENS

One of the most fascinating and yet underappreciated episodes in American History is the Battle of Athens, which occurred in McMinn County, Tennessee in 1946, the only successful armed rebellion in America since the Revolution. Veterans returning from the Second World War to a county wracked by corruption and oppression saw no option but to take up arms. Their war against foreign tyranny was over, but their battle against the corrupt government in their home town had just begun. The message of the veterans was clear and simple; they wanted reforms that would ensure fair and transparent elections. Acknowledging the widespread resentment of those previous elections won through blatant fraud, the veterans made their motto, “Your vote will be counted as cast.”

In an attempt to ensure a fair election, the veterans asked the FBI to send election monitors but received no reply. Without any help from the federal government, and knowing that Cantell would try voter intimidation, the veterans set up a militia of sixty men led by Bill White-​-​nicknamed the Fighting Bunch-​-​to help prevent any violence or fraud in the upcoming elections.

As August 1st, the day of the election, approached, the veterans sent two telegrams, one to the governor and one to the attorney general of Tennessee, asking for their help to ensure a fair election. Neither were answered. The veterans had no backup, though this was no surprise. Over the last ten years, the Department of Justice had received over a thousand messages from McMinn County claiming voter fraud.