Original copy of the Louisiana Registration Law, Act 89 of 1896

The Louisiana Registration Law of 1896 was enacted during a tumultuous period in American history, marked by efforts to disenfranchise African American voters following the Reconstruction era. These laws, often disguised as measures to prevent voter fraud, imposed complex registration requirements that disproportionately affected black citizens. The late 19th century saw a wave of such legislation across the Southern states, aimed at circumventing the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

This particular act reflects the broader political climate of the time, characterized by racial segregation and the rise of Jim Crow laws. Documents like this are valuable primary sources for understanding the legal and social landscape of the era, offering insights into the challenges faced by African Americans in exercising their right to vote. The historical context makes this document a significant artifact for collectors and historians interested in American civil rights and legal history.