Special Policeman Clark Washington

Clark Washington

Orange Special Policeman Clark Washington confronted Archie Washington at a town hall meeting when he saw Archie had a pistol. When Officer Washington attempted to arrest him, Archie drew his pistol and shot the officer to death.

Archie Washington was sentenced to life in prison but had his case overturned on appeal. He was sentenced to death at his second trial. He appealed again but escaped from jail for a few days. The appeals court dismissed his appeal because of the escape.

Archie Washington was legally hanged in Orange on July 26, 1892.

Officer Clark Washington was one of the earliest line of duty deaths by African American officers in Texas.