Judge Lynch Vigilante Justice in Late 19th Century Kentucky

In this compelling episode, historian James Prichard returns to explore a turbulent and often overlooked chapter in Kentucky history: the rise of vigilante justice in the late 1800s. As Kentucky struggled with post-Civil War lawlessness, economic transition, and rural isolation, citizens in several counties took the law into their own hands—forming vigilante groups that operated outside legal authority.

James Prichard takes us deep into the motivations, actions, and consequences of these groups. From anti-crime crusades to racially and politically motivated violence, we examine the blurred lines between justice and lawlessness during this chaotic time.

Join us as we uncover the chilling, dramatic, and sometimes misunderstood stories of Kentucky’s late 19th-century vigilantes—and how they shaped local power, fear, and community control for decades.