In "The Facts of Reconstruction," John R. Lynch provides a thorough and detailed account of the Reconstruction era in the United States. Lynch, a former enslaved person who went on to serve as a congressman during this turbulent time, offers a unique perspective on the period following the Civil War.

Through his firsthand experiences and extensive research, Lynch effectively challenges common misconceptions about Reconstruction and sheds light on the challenges faced by newly freed African Americans in the aftermath of slavery. His writing is clear and concise, making complex historical events accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

Overall, "The Facts of Reconstruction" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of this pivotal period in American history. Lynch's insights and analysis provide important context for understanding the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States.

Book Description:
After the American Civil War, John R. Lynch, who had been a slave in Mississippi, began his political career in 1869 by first becoming Justice of the Peace, and then Mississippi State Representative. He was only 26 when he was elected to the US Congress in 1873. There, he continued to be an activist, introducing many bills and arguing on their behalf. Perhaps his greatest effort was in the long debate supporting the Civil Rights Act of 1875 to ban discrimination in public accommodations.

In 1884 Lynch was the first African American nominated after a moving speech by Theodore Roosevelt to the position of Temporary Chairman of the Republican National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. During the Spanish-American War of 1898, he was appointed Treasury Auditor and then Paymaster under the Republicans. In 1901, he began serving with the Regular Army with tours of duty in the United States, Cuba, and the Philippines.

Lynch retired from the Army in 1911, then married Cora Williams. They moved to Chicago, where he practiced law. He also became involved in real estate. After his death in Chicago 1939 at the age of 92, he was buried with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. He was entitled to this as a Congressman and veteran.

After the turn of the centutry, Lynch wrote a book, The Facts of Reconstruction, and several articles criticizing the then-dominant Dunning School historiography. Dunning and followers had emphasized the views of former slave owners and routinely downplayed any positive contributions of African Americans during Reconstruction, as well as suggesting they could not manage any political power. Lynch argued that blacks had made substantial contributions during the period. Since he participated directly in Reconstruction-era governments, Lynch's book is considered a primary source in study of the period. (Introduction by Guero and Wikipedia.)