atlanta's leaders demonstrated the need for law and order by their hasty municipal decisions. in 1902 an informal militia in disguise, known as white caps, attacked slab town by night. they whipped the men found in huts devoted to prostitution and other vices, and warned them to leave town. they burned down the shanties and the area was abandoned. the residents were displaced by force. as atlanta developed in the 20th century, this area was redeveloped for what is now grady memorial hospital.