On this day, June 13, in 1863, opponents of conscription began the New York Draft Riots — regarded as the most violent civil disorder in United States history. The rioters were largely poor, working-class Irish immigrants who were angry about being drafted to fight in the Civil War while wealthier men were allowed to pay $300 to avoid serving in the bloody war against the Confederacy.
Hours after the names of the draftees were posted, mobs began to take to the street. The protests turned ugly, and over the next three days, bloody street battles raged across the city.
At least 11 black men were lynched. The total number of people killed or wounded is unknown, but estimates range from 100 to 2,000.
-Scott McCabe
