On July 13, 1863, New York City experienced what still remains the largest civil insurrection in American history as a result of the first federally mandated military draft was enacted. Over the course of four days, the city, already sharply divided by the Civil War, violent protests were waged against the wealthy, African-American residents and, of course, the war itself.
The draft act was passed in March of 1863 but it was designed to conscript only the poor and working class of New York. The wealthy were able to pay a commutation fee of $300 to avoid military service and the black residents were also exempted as they were not yet considered American citizens.
Most of the North, especially New York City, looked unfavorably of the draft with many Democrats in city office challenging the legality of the bill. Many called it a rich man's war, poor man's battle as the elite became richer due to the spoils of war.
July 11, 1863 was the first official day of the draft but there were no events of any significance that occurred. On Monday July 13, the second conscription drawing was held just 10 days following the Battle at Gettysburg. As officials arrived at the 9th District Provost Marshal's Office under a police escort, they encountered a very angry and volatile mob of about 500 people led by a volunteer fire company known as the Black Joke Engine 33, a group known for their ability to brawl as much as fight fires.
As the crowd, mostly Irish laborers, became more rowdy, windows were broken and the doors smashed open. The building was invaded by the mob who destroyed as much of the draft documents as possible before setting the entire building on fire. As the fire department arrived, the mob turned their attack on them, killing horses and smashing the hose wagons. Telegraph wires were cut so the word of the riot could not get out to the rest of the city to summons help.
Arson seemed to be the crime of preference for the mobs with as many as 50 buildings being burned to the ground. Among them was the Bulls Head Hotel which was set afire because the management refused to provide alcohol to the mob. The most heinous of acts was the storming of the Colored Orphan Asylum at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue. Approximately 1,000 rioters looted the orphanage of food and supplies while the police and staff were able to safely evacuate the 233 children before it was set on fire.
It is estimated that between 115 and 120 civilians were killed during the four day riots with 11 black men killed by lynching. The riots were stopped when word was received to suspend the draft but also many militias and federal troops had arrived in the city to curb the violence.
Of the 750,000 men conscripted in the nation, only 45,000 were actually called to service.
For more reading on this topic here is a free ebook which details the Metropolitan Police and their role during the Draft Riots.
Barnes, David M. (1863). The Draft Riots in New York, July 1863: The Metropolitan Police, Their Services During Riot. Baker & Godwin.
Schecter, Barnet (2005). The Devil's Own Work: The Civil War Draft Riots and the Fight to Reconstruct America
