This day, July 13, in 1863 marked the first of the three days of the New York City draft riot, widely regarded as the most violent and deadly riot in U.S. history.
Tension had already been mounting in New York and elsewhere after Congress passed the nation’s first conscription act, with angry rhetoric targeting a piece of the law that allowed draftees to avoid service in the Union army by paying $300.
The first draft drawing in New York took place July 11, 1863, with little fanfare. But two days later, just before the second drawing, a furious company of firefighters took the streets and attacked city officials.
The violence quickly spread, and the angry mob turned on black residents, lynching them in the streets. Historians believe as many as 1,000 people were killed. President Abraham Lincoln sent in the militia to bring the city back to order.
– Freeman Klopott
