Reconstruction & Race
The Jaybird-Woodpecker War in 1889 ended Black political power in Fort Bend
A violent political conflict in 1889 led to the exclusion of Black voters from Fort Bend County politics for more than 60 years.
After the Civil War, Black residents held real political power in Fort Bend County. They served as sheriff, justice of the peace, and county commissioner. That changed on August 16, 1889. Two white political groups — the Jaybirds and the Woodpeckers — clashed violently. The Jaybirds won.
The Jaybird Democratic Association took over county government. They ran a whites-only primary election to shut Black voters out. That system lasted until 1953.
This history is recorded in the Handbook of Texas and on Fort Bend County's own history page. It helps explain how the county's makeup has changed since the mid-20th century.
Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas – Fort Bend County