July 1863
For four days, white New Yorkers — largely Irish immigrants — rioted against the federal draft, turning their fury on the Black community. Rioters burned the Colored Orphan Asylum (233 children escaped), lynched at least 11 Black men, and drove thousands of Black residents from the city. Estimates of the death toll range from 105 to over 1,000. Federal troops had to be diverted from Gettysburg to restore order.
Black Union soldiers prove their valor in a costly assault on a Confederate fort.
Events
- July 13, 1863New York Draft Riots: White Mobs Murder Black New Yorkers
For four days, white New Yorkers — largely Irish immigrants — rioted against the federal draft, turning their fury on the Black community. Rioters burned the Colored Orphan Asylum (233 children escaped), lynched at least 11 Black men, and drove thousands of Black residents from the city. Estimates of the death toll range from 105 to over 1,000. Federal troops had to be diverted from Gettysburg to restore order.
- July 18, 1863The 54th Massachusetts at Fort Wagner
Black Union soldiers prove their valor in a costly assault on a Confederate fort.
- July 13, 1863The New York City draft riots
White mobs attack Black New Yorkers during anti-draft violence.