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Return to the Land: A Troubling Echo in American Culture

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A self-described “whites-only” community, Return to the Land (RTTL), founded by a far-right group, is actively planning expansion, raising significant concerns across America. This development, rooted in exclusionary ideologies, brings to the forefront critical questions about American values, civil rights, and the ongoing struggle for a truly inclusive society.

Need to Know: What is RTTL?

RTTL describes itself as a private member association (PMA) that vets applicants based on “traditional views and European ancestry.” Non-white individuals, Jews, and LGBTQ+ individuals are explicitly unwelcome. Their first community opened in northern Arkansas in 2023, encompassing 160 acres with its own community center and school, housing 40 inhabitants. A second Arkansas community opened in January 2025.

Co-founder Eric Orwoll openly states the group’s ambition to establish “whites-only” communities in all 50 states, aiming to build a “white nation.” He argues that white Americans should have the right to live among “like-minded people” due to perceived demographic changes and that RTTL is exempt from civil rights legislation due to its PMA status. Orwoll has also expressed controversial views on Adolf Hitler, suggesting a “one-sided” mainstream opinion influenced by “World War II propaganda.”

Critics, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Missouri Democratic officials, the NAACP, and Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, universally condemn RTTL as racist and anti-Semitic. They argue that RTTL’s actions attempt to revive “discredited and reprehensible forms of segregation” and should be illegal under federal and state civil rights laws, including the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

A Brief Historical Overview of “Whites Only” Places in America

The concept of “whites only” places and establishments has a deeply troubling history in the United States, primarily associated with the era of racial segregation. Following the end of Reconstruction in the late 1870s, many Southern states enacted “Jim Crow” laws, a system of legal segregation that enforced white supremacy and systematically denied African Americans their civil rights.

These laws mandated the separation of races in almost all aspects of public life. “Whites only” signs were commonplace in restaurants, bathrooms, water fountains, public parks, beaches, swimming pools, and even telephone booths. African Americans were forced to use separate entrances to businesses and doctor’s offices, sit in separate waiting rooms, and were often restricted to designated areas in theaters and other public venues. 

The “separate but equal” doctrine, established by the Supreme Court in the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case, provided a legal basis for segregation, although the facilities provided for African Americans were consistently inferior. This system extended to schools, hospitals, prisons, and libraries, which were underfunded and lacked the resources of their white counterparts.

Beyond the South, discriminatory practices also existed. During the Great Migration, African Americans who moved to the North and Northeast often encountered similar forms of discrimination and segregation in housing and schools. Even after World War II, “Whites Only” signs could still be found in some Northern businesses.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, through protests, sit-ins, and legal challenges, played a crucial role in dismantling the Jim Crow system. Landmark legislation, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, outlawed racial segregation and discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and housing. The Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) declared that “separate but equal” in public education was unconstitutional.

While significant progress has been made in overcoming legal segregation, the legacy of “whites only” places and the ideologies behind them continue to have an impact on American society. The emergence of groups like RTTL serves as a stark reminder of this history and the ongoing need to address systemic inequalities and discriminatory practices.

Key Takeaways:

  • Explicit Exclusion: RTTL’s stated mission is to create racially and ethnically exclusive communities, directly barring non-white individuals, Jews, and LGBTQ+ people.
  • Expansionist Ambitions: The group openly seeks to establish a network of such communities across the entire United States.
  • Legal Scrutiny: While RTTL claims exemption as a private member association, legal experts and officials are challenging this interpretation, citing civil rights and fair housing laws.
  • Historical Echoes: The group’s ideology and aspirations evoke painful memories of historical segregation and discriminatory practices in the U.S., such as those seen in New Deal-era housing policies like redlining, which explicitly fostered “whites-only” suburbs and contributed to lasting wealth disparities. The history of “whites only” places under Jim Crow laws provides crucial context for understanding the concerns raised by RTTL’s actions.
  • Controversial Leadership Views: Orwoll’s statements regarding historical figures like Hitler further underscore the troubling nature of the group’s underlying philosophy.

New Deal-era housing policies significantly contributed to the historical context of “whites-only” communities through practices like redlining and explicit race restrictions in federal lending guidelines.

Specifically:

  • Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Rules: The FHA, established during the New Deal, recommended policies to “preserve the value of newly constructed subdivisions” by keeping Black homebuyers from living there. Their lending manuals even suggested “Prohibition of the occupancy of residences except by the race for which they are intended.” This actively promoted and solidified racial segregation in housing.
  • Redlining: New Deal agencies created color-coded maps of communities, with “red” areas designating neighborhoods with a majority of Black residents as “too risky to insure mortgages.” This practice, known as redlining, effectively cut off Black buyers from affordable borrowing and prevented them from owning homes in many areas, steering them towards specific, often underserved, neighborhoods.
  • Creation of “Whites-Only” Suburbs: These policies directly fostered the development of “whites-only” suburbs. For instance, the Ladera neighborhood in California’s Silicon Valley, built in the 1950s, had property deeds with explicit racist restrictions stating that only white people were allowed to live there, unless they were servants. This demonstrates how federal policies, combined with private discrimination, led to the creation of segregated communities.
  • Impact on Wealth Gap: The exclusion of Black Americans from homeownership in these government-backed programs significantly contributed to the lasting wealth gap between white and Black Americans, as homeownership has historically been a primary means of building intergenerational wealth.

In essence, New Deal housing policies, while expanding government capacities and providing economic rights, did so in a deeply discriminatory way, intentionally creating and reinforcing “whites-only” residential areas and laying a foundation for systemic racial inequality in housing that continues to impact society today.

Implications for American Culture, Society, Civil and Human Rights:

The emergence and expansion of groups like RTTL strike at the very heart of American ideals.

For American Culture and Society: Such movements threaten the fabric of a diverse and pluralistic society. They promote division, foster animosity, and undermine the ongoing effort to build a nation where all individuals are valued and have the opportunity to thrive. The pursuit of “white-only” enclaves stands in stark contrast to the cultural melting pot that America often prides itself on, even with its historical imperfections. It signals a retreat into isolationism based on racial purity, a dangerous path that has led to societal breakdown in other historical contexts.

For Civil Rights and Human Rights: RTTL’s practices directly challenge fundamental civil and human rights principles enshrined in American law and international declarations. The right to equal opportunity, freedom from discrimination, and the pursuit of happiness are denied based on race, religion, and sexual orientation. While the First Amendment protects freedom of association, it does not grant the right to discriminate in ways that violate anti-discrimination laws designed to protect vulnerable groups and ensure equal access to housing and other necessities. The ADL and NAACP’s concerns about segregation are well-founded, as RTTL’s model echoes the Jim Crow era, which the nation fought to dismantle.

Alignment with National Principles:

The actions and aspirations of RTTL fundamentally misalign with the core principles of the United States.

  • “All Men Are Created Equal”: The Declaration of Independence asserts that all individuals are created equal, endowed with unalienable rights. RTTL’s exclusionary practices directly contradict this foundational tenet by asserting a hierarchy based on race and ancestry.
  • Equal Protection Under the Law: The 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause mandates that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. While RTTL claims to be a private association, their expansive aims and the nature of their discriminatory practices raise serious questions about their adherence to this principle, especially if their activities extend into areas typically regulated by public accommodation or housing laws.
  • A More Perfect Union: The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution speaks of forming “a more perfect Union,” establishing justice, and promoting the general welfare. Segregation and discrimination, as practiced by RTTL, demonstrably prevent the formation of a more perfect union and instead promote injustice and social discord.
  • The American Dream: The traditional “American Dream” often includes the idea of upward mobility and the opportunity for anyone, regardless of background, to achieve success. RTTL’s vision, by restricting access and opportunity based on race, undermines this ideal, creating artificial barriers and perpetuating historical inequalities.

The rise of “whites-only” communities like RTTL is a stark reminder that the fight for equality and inclusion in America is ongoing. While proponents argue for freedom of association, the nation’s legal and moral framework, forged through centuries of struggle for civil rights, stands firmly against such discriminatory practices. American culture and society must remain vigilant in upholding the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity for all.

Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on This History

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In the shadow of the Civil War, a new form of racial segregation emerged in the United States: the sundown town. These were communities, predominantly in the North and Midwest, that actively excluded Black Americans from residing within their borders. While the South was notorious for its Jim Crow laws, sundown towns operated under a cloak of informal intimidation, often enforced through violence and threats.

The term “sundown town” originated from the chilling signs posted at the town limits, warning Black people: “Don’t let the sun go down on you in ____.” This sharp message served as a stark reminder that Black presence after dark was unwelcome, and could result in violence or even death.

The origins of sundown towns can be traced back to the late 19th century, following the end of Reconstruction. As white supremacy regained its grip, Black Americans faced a resurgence of discrimination and violence. Sundown towns became a way to enforce segregation, not through legal statutes, but through fear and intimidation.

These towns employed various tactics to maintain their racial exclusivity. In some cases, violence and threats were used to drive out Black residents. Others relied on economic pressure, denying Black people access to jobs or housing. Still others employed social ostracization, making it impossible for Black people to feel welcome or integrated into the community.

The impact of sundown towns on Black communities was profound. It limited their access to housing, jobs, and education, and created a climate of fear and isolation. It also contributed to the perpetuation of racial stereotypes and prejudices.

While the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed racial discrimination in housing, the legacy of sundown towns persists. Many of these communities remain predominantly white, with limited opportunities for Black residents. The scars of past discrimination continue to shape the social and economic landscape of these towns.

Unveiling the Hidden History:

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to shed light on the history of sundown towns. Researchers have compiled extensive databases and maps, documenting the existence of these communities across the country. Historians and activists are working to raise awareness about this often-overlooked chapter of American history.

Moving Forward:

Understanding the history of sundown towns is crucial for confronting the ongoing challenges of racial injustice in the United States. By acknowledging this dark chapter, we can begin to dismantle the structures of segregation that continue to exist, and work towards building a more equitable and inclusive society.

Here are some resources for learning more about sundown towns:

Let us not allow the sun to set on the truth. Let us confront the history of sundown towns, and work towards a future where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Sundown towns employed a variety of tactics to maintain their racial exclusivity, often operating through a combination of overt and covert methods. Here are some of the most common:

Overt tactics:

  • Intimidation and violence: Sundown towns used threats, harassment, and physical violence to drive out Black residents and visitors. This could include vandalism, property damage, arson, and even lynching’s.
  • Signs and warnings: Many sundown towns posted signs at their borders explicitly stating that Black people were not welcome after dark. These signs served as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating the town’s racial code.
  • Curfews: Some sundown towns imposed curfews specifically on Black residents, limiting their movement after dark and making it difficult for them to work or socialize.
  • Denial of services: Black people were often denied access to basic services, such as housing, jobs, food, and healthcare. This made it extremely difficult for them to survive in sundown towns.
  • Economic pressure: Sundown towns sometimes used economic pressure to force Black residents out. This could include denying them access to credit, refusing to hire them, or boycotting their businesses.

Covert tactics:

  • Social ostracization: Sundown towns often used social ostracization to make Black residents feel unwelcome and isolated. This could include excluding them from social events, refusing to speak to them, and spreading rumors about them.
  • Discrimination in law enforcement: Black people were often subjected to discriminatory treatment by law enforcement in sundown towns. This could include being stopped and questioned without cause, arrested for minor offenses, or subjected to excessive force.
  • Discrimination in housing: Black people were often denied access to desirable housing in sundown towns. This could include being steered away from certain neighborhoods, being charged higher rents, or being denied mortgages.
  • Discrimination in education: Black children were often denied access to quality education in sundown towns. This could include being segregated into inferior schools, being denied access to certain courses, or being subjected to racial harassment and discrimination from teachers and students.

These tactics were used to create a climate of fear and intimidation that made it difficult for Black people to live in sundown towns. The goal was to maintain racial segregation and white supremacy, and to prevent Black people from achieving economic or social equality. Today, sundown towns operate in the dark and will coordinated efforts from some in law enforcement. Case in point is the story of Rasheem Carter.