American Experience

Klansville U.S.A.

In 1963, North Carolina salesman Bob Jones chartered what would become the largest Klan group in the country, which, under his leadership, grew to some ten thousand members. In the process, the group helped give the Tarheel State a new nickname: "Klansville, U.S.A."

Klansville U.S.A. Preview

30s

As the civil rights movement grew in the 1960s, the long-dormant Ku Klux Klan reemerged with a vengeance. North Carolina, long seen as the most progressive southern state, saw a boom in Klan membership under the leadership of Grand Dragon Bob Jones. In just three years, the North Carolina Klan grew to some 10,000 members, helping give the state a new nickname: “Klansville, USA."

Previews + Extras

  • Klansville U.S.A., Chapter 1: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Klansville U.S.A., Chapter 1

    S27 E2 - 7m 33s

    In the 1960s, Bob Jones was the most influential Grand Dragon in the United States. In just three years, he grew the North Carolina Ku Klux Klan from a handful of members to approximately 10,000, earning the state a new nickname: "Klansville, USA." But it wouldn't be long before the group caught the attention of the FBI. "Klansville U.S.A." premieres January 13, 2015 on PBS American Experience.

  • Grand Dragon Bob Jones: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Grand Dragon Bob Jones

    S27 E2 - 3m 28s

    On August 14, 1966 over 5,000 people gathered at the Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, North Carolina to support Klan leaders under investigation by the Federal Government. It was the state's largest political gathering of the year. "Klansville U.S.A." premieres January 13 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

  • The First Resurgence: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The First Resurgence

    S27 E2 - 2m 11s

    After the 1915 premiere of D.W. Griffith's "The Birth of a Nation," there was a resurgence in the Ku Klux Klan in America. By the mid-1920s, nearly 4 million Americans claimed Klan membership, making them a powerful political force. "Klansville U.S.A." premieres January 13 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

  • Nothing to Hide: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Nothing to Hide

    S27 E2 - 2m 55s

    Bob Jones dreamed of making his North Carolina Klan a powerful voting block. To do this, he staged street walks to show the "human side" of Klan members, and to prove that his Klan had nothing to hide. "Klansville U.S.A." premieres January 13 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

  • Intimidation Tactics: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Intimidation Tactics

    S27 E2 - 3m 2s

    In order to maintain his power as Grand Dragon, Bob Jones cultivated a careful balance between promoting the militant message of the Klan, while still appearing to be non-violent. "Klansville U.S.A." premieres January 13 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

  • The FBI and the Klan : asset-mezzanine-16x9

    The FBI and the Klan

    S27 E2 - 1m 59s

    When the FBI began to investigate the North Carolina Ku Klux Klan, one of their most important informants was a member of Grand Dragon Bob Jones' inner circle. "Klansville U.S.A." premieres January 13 at 9/8c on PBS American Experience.

  • Beyond the Doc: Symbols : asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Beyond the Doc: Symbols

    S27 E2 - 2m 59s

    The Ku Klux Klan has been a presence in America on and off since Reconstruction in the late 1800s, using symbols as powerful intimidation tools. But some of these symbols have rich histories and deep cultural roots that are completely unrelated to the hate group.

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.