Legal Executions in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia

In the century following the Civil War, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia legally executed thousands of men and women convicted of capital crimes. Based on exhaustive research of court records, newspapers death certificates and even gravestones, this volume covers each of these cases in comprehensive detail. Arranged by state, entries for each execution are listed in chronological order, giving the name, race and age of the prisoner and a description of the crime of which he or she was convicted. The motive, if known, the date and place of the execution, and relevant sources are also included. Appendices provide preliminary lists of executions in these states before 1866, including some cases dating back to 1608. Uncovering a number of previously unacknowledged executions, this work reveals that Americas experience with capital punishment remains more extensive than previously known.