On this day, June 1, in 1857, the Plug Uglies Gang of Baltimore traveled to Washington to intimidate Irish voters at a District election, resulting in the killing of 10 men.
The Plug Uglies — named for their big plug hats — were affiliated with the nativist Know-Nothing Party, who opposed the wave of Irish and German immigrants.
Numbering more than 1,000, the roughs placed a six-pound brass cannon at the polls at 5th and K streets Northwest.
President James Buchanan called in the Marines from the Navy Yard, led by General Archibald Henderson.
Henderson, 74, on horseback, stuck his umbrella into the cannon, placed his back in front of the muzzle and ordered the Plug Uglies to disperse.
Shots were fired, and the Marines moved in. Ten people were killed.
— Scott McCabe
