The Draft Riots of 1863
One of the overshadowed aspects of the Civil War took place in New York City from July 13th to 16th in the year 1863. This time period was known as Draft Week back then, but history would remember the event as the New York City Draft Riots.
Congress had enacted laws that same year that were meant to conscript for the Civil War. They needed men to fight, but they allowed an exemption for those who were able to pay $300 for substitution costs. The wealthy were essentially able to spare themselves from the draft by paying for substitutes.
Initially, it was working-class Irish men who broke out in protest. The Great Famine had brought many Irish immigrants to New York City seeking a better life, and those same immigrants were now facing military conscription. Their anger quickly became directed at African Americans and the three-day riots claimed 119 lives.
At one point, General John E. Wool, who was commanding the Department of the East, said “Martial law ought to be proclaimed, but I have not a sufficient force to enforce it.”
President Lincoln diverted several regiments of volunteers and militia who had intended to follow up on the Battle of Gettysburg. Instead, they found themselves in a city that had already been looted and ransacked. Public buildings, including Protestant churches, were in ruins. The Colored Orphan Asylum, which was housed at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue, burned to the ground.
The draft was instituted 10 days after the riots were quelled, and the city’s demographics had changed dramatically.
Phineas Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or Twitter page.