Coalbagger

/ˈkoʊlˌbæɡər/ noun

Definition

A person from the North who moved to the South after the American Civil War, often for economic gain or political power.

Etymology

From 'coal' and 'bag,' possibly referring to traveling salesmen or those carrying bags of supplies northbound, later applied to Reconstruction-era Yankees.

Kelly Says

During Reconstruction, 'coalbagger' was a term of insult, but these migrants actually brought new industries and infrastructure to the devastated South!

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