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Abstract
This thesis explores the experiences of Jewish people who settled in the towns of Lexington, Kentucky and Athens, Georgia after the end of the American Civil War. In doing so, it investigates both the development of Jewish communities in these towns and how the larger Christian white population viewed their new Jewish neighbors. This project compares the ways in which Jews in Athens and Lexington interacted with the local white population, involved themselves in city affairs, and how local newspapers portrayed Jewish citizens over time. Overall, this thesis found that Jews in both communities were heavily involved in each city’s commercial, social, and civic affairs. Many Jewish citizens worked hard to integrate themselves into their new communities and became prominent members in the business community, fraternal organizations, and in local government. It also found that local newspapers became increasingly friendly towards local Jews, often praising them as good citizens.