On this date in 1863, the New York Draft Riots of 1863 were a violent and tragic expression of racial and class tensions. The riots erupted due to growing resentment over the Civil War draft, which many working-class white men saw as unfair, especially since wealthy individuals could pay for substitutes to take their place. This led to anger at both the government and African Americans, whom many blamed for the war and saw as potential competition for jobs, particularly as free Blacks were being recruited into the Union Army.

The rioters primarily targeted Black communities, with devastating results. African Americans were brutally attacked, lynched, and many homes and businesses were destroyed. It’s estimated that over 100 people were killed during the riot, with the majority of victims being Black. The rioting lasted for several days before authorities were able to restore order, but the social and racial divisions exposed by the violence had long-lasting effects.

The New York Draft Riots highlighted the deep racial and economic divisions within the country, and they remain a stark reminder of the challenges in the fight for racial equality during the Civil War era.