Tenth Governor of Arkansas, 1873-1874. The 1872 gubernatorial election was between two Republicans, Baxter and Joseph Brooks. Baxter won the official count, but Brooks contested the outcome. After Baxter was inaugurated, a circuit judge ruled that Brooks had been elected and was the rightful governor. Skirmishes erupted between the two camps in what was known as the Brooks-Baxter War. At least fifty deaths occurred during the conflict. President Grant ultimately intervened and sided with Baxter. The Brooks forces disbanded, leaving Baxter to complete his term. A new state constitution in 1874 brought about the end of Reconstruction in Arkansas, and the end of Baxter's political career. (B. Newman)
Tenth Governor of Arkansas, 1873-1874. The 1872 gubernatorial election was between two Republicans, Baxter and Joseph Brooks. Baxter won the official count, but Brooks contested the outcome. After Baxter was inaugurated, a circuit judge ruled that Brooks had been elected and was the rightful governor. Skirmishes erupted between the two camps in what was known as the Brooks-Baxter War. At least fifty deaths occurred during the conflict. President Grant ultimately intervened and sided with Baxter. The Brooks forces disbanded, leaving Baxter to complete his term. A new state constitution in 1874 brought about the end of Reconstruction in Arkansas, and the end of Baxter's political career. (B. Newman)
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