Grand Wizard was the title given to the head of the Reconstruction-era Ku Klux Klan which existed from 1866 to 1871.
In 1915, the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan were created along the lines of a fraternal organization. The highest-ranking leader of the latter organization was the Imperial Wizard. National officers were "Imperial" officers. State or "Realm" officers were "Grand" officers. A "Grand Dragon", for example, was the highest-ranking Klansman in a given state.
Following World War II, dozens of people have assumed the "Wizard" title as leaders of the numerous, independent, Klan-oriented organizations that have existed since then, the majority of which lack historical significance.
Grand or Imperial Wizards
This list excludes those of post-war, independent factions.</p>
- William J. Simmons, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1915-1922
- Hiram Wesley Evans, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1922-1939
- James A. Colescott, Imperial Wizard, second Klan, 1939-1944
List of notable Third Klan Imperial Wizards who received votes (or political support) from Ku Klux Klan membership in more than one State.
- Samuel Green 1946-1949
- Samuel Roper 1949-1950
- Eldon Lee Edwards 1953-1960
- Robert Shelton 1961-1965
- Donald Joseph Ballentine 1967-1974
- David Duke (1974-1975)
- Bill Wilkinson 1975-1981
- Donald Black 1981-1987 (imprisoned for part of tenure)
- Dennis Mahon 1989-1992 (most recent Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan to gain notable membership support across state lines).
References
