Short Lived Expulsion of Kentucky's Jews

Mar 15, 2012

For a few days, in December of 1862, it seemed likely thousands of Kentucky’s Jews would be driven from their homes, perhaps at the point of a bayonet.  The military order was issued by the general who would lead Union armies to victory and eventually serve two terms in the White House.  Jewish historian Jonathan Sarna tells the tale in his book, “When General Grant Expelled the Jews.”  With “General Orders Number 11,” Sarna says Grant tried to cut off trade between the North and rebellious southern states.