The Knights of the Golden Circle was a secret society started by George Bickley. Bickley was from Cincinnati.
He was a master at lying and set out to convince others, that his clandestine society, with the help of southern Border States could conquer Mexico, Central America, and Cuba to control the slave trade.
This “circle” of countries would represent the “golden circle” of the KGC, the “Knights of the Golden Circle”. Included within the circle were individuals from some of the Northern States who sympathized with the South and their belief in slavery. The KGC wanted to use those northern influences, as well as the southern states, to extend slavery into the “golden circle.” The result was to enhance slavery in the southern states.
Bickley gained the support of some Southerners. In 1860 members of the Knights of the Golden Circle were paying dues. They intended to use the money to purchase arms to support their efforts. High-ranking officials from the states of Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois supported the confederacy's idea of perpetuating slavery. These sympathizer states ran secret cells or castles where they held meetings.
It’s been rumored that by the time the Civil War broke out, the KGC had stashed millions of dollars of currency and gold to fight a secret war against the Northern army, all to help the South win the war and keep slavery in existence.
The KGC had different levels of what they called “degrees”. These degrees were called “Neophyte and “Vestibule” degrees. Each member of these degrees was bound by the obedience of the Officers of each degree, and the secrecy of the respective orders, or else.
Or else what?
Or else they would end up dead. Family members of any KGC initiate who broke this vow of silence were also murdered. There were instances where KGC members were killed, their homes burned and their families murdered.
Secret Signs And Signals
Members of the Neophyte and the Vestibule degrees would greet each other with secret signs. These signs were used as both a means to test and recognize members. In public for instance, when two members needed to meet in secrecy, whether to talk about a Knights Of The Golden Circle event or plan of action there was a specific way to approach each other. Standing erect, the heel of the right foot would be placed in the hollow of the left.
The right hand would be placed under the left arm. The left hand would be brought under the right arm. With the arms now folded, the four fingers of the left hand would be placed over the right arm. The person being addressed would then mirror the exact posture. Both individuals would now be in complete confidence of the other, and they would then move to an area for talking.
KGC Treasures
The knights of the Golden Circle buried secret caches of weapons, coins, and gold and silver bullion. Much of this hoard was stolen from robberies of banks, and trains carrying payroll of the northern army during the Civil War.
Many of the treasures were buried in the southern and western states. However, reports of small caches have been reported in some of the northern states as well as Canada.
The Knights of the Golden Circle were like many secret societies. So there is not much information about their activities. And regarding their buried treasures, not much has been written or documented about where the Knights of the Golden Circle buried their caches. However, the KGC did leave strange symbols and codes on rocks and trees as guides to where these treasures are located. Many of the signs have been seen in States across the U.S., and Canada. I have seen some of these symbols. And as the years go by, more and more information regarding the Knights Of The Golden Circle will be exposed.
Jesse James And The KGC
Many KGC researchers believe that the outlaw Jesse James was a member of the KGC and that much of the money he stole during his outlaw days was to fund the KGC movement in the Southern states.
The life of Jesse James has been controversial. Books written about him have varied opinions. Many questions such as, what was his real name? When did he die? And, where was he buried, has led researchers to believe that these unanswered questions are enough to point to his membership in the Knights of the Golden Circle.
Was Abraham Lincoln Murdered By The KGC?
John Wilkes Booth the man who murdered President Lincoln was a KGC member as well as a Freemason.
After the assassination, a trunk owned by Booth was located inside a building he owned. In the trunk were coded messages and symbols that were used by the Knights of the Golden Circle.
The messages have been de-coded by modern researchers and they tell us that these strange symbols tied Booth to the murder of President Lincoln.
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