CULT: Knights of the Golden Circle
Summary
Host Vanessa Richardson explores the Knights of the Golden Circle, a pro-slavery secret society founded by conman George Bickley. The episode details their failed invasion of Mexico, role in Texas secession, and alleged plots to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. It also examines John Wilkes Booth’s connections to the group and draws parallels between the Knights’ ideology and the modern Twelve Tribes cult.
Topics discussed
Intro and The First 48 promotion
Sam Houston's refusal to back the Confederacy
Knights of the Golden Circle and John Wilkes Booth
Sponsor: Quince clothing
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George Bickley's early life and conman career
Founding the Knights of the Golden Circle
Bickley's rise and the Order of the Lone Star
Sponsor: Whatnot
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The failed invasion of Mexico
Bickley's fall and the 1860 election
Sponsor: Thumbtack
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Knights' role in secession and Lincoln assassination plots
Bickley's arrest and Booth's ties to the Knights
Cult Watch: The Twelve Tribes
Outro, credits, and final ads
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