Headline from the Richmond Times Dispatch, April 17, 1904

In 1902, Louisiana became the first state to pass a statute requiring mandatory segregation of passengers on streetcars. Mississippi followed with similar legislation in 1904. Also in 1904, Virginia authorized, but did not require segregated streetcars in all its cities. The decision to segregate passenger was left to companies to decide whether to segregate their services. On April 17, 1904, the Richmond's Times Dispatch printed the article “Separate the Races” on page seventeen of its Sunday edition, in which the Virginia Passenger and Power Company outlined a new set of rules. The company likely hoped its new policy to enforce racial segregation on its cars would go unnoticed by the local populace. Instead, the company’s new regulations led to a citywide boycott of its services which ultimately to its financial ruin.


Citation: Separate the Races. Times Dispatch, April 17, 1904. Fit to Print: Dispatches from the Virginia Newspaper Project. Library of Virginia.

VS.1, VS.8 USII.1, USII.4 CE.11, VUS.1 VUS.8

Preview Activity:

Look at It: Look at the political cartoon, what phrases or words stand out? What may be the purpose of the political cartoon?

Post Activites

Form an Opinion: Adherence to the 1904 "separation of the races" policy bankrupted the streetcar company involved. To what extent do you think this was a just outcome? Be specific in your answer.

Artistic Exploration: Examine the notice of the new policy as it is printed in the 1904 Richmond Times Dispatch; there are three sections as well as the headline. Look at the type of size and use of bold face. As printed, what information do you find most dramatic? What language in this announcement could be termed discriminatory or concerning?