The Conscription Act, passed in March 1863, was designed to bolster Union forces during the American Civil War. However, it included a provision that allowed draftees to avoid service by paying a $300 commutation fee or finding a substitute. This clause was seen as favouring the wealthy, as the fee was beyond the means of most workingclass citizens. Tensions were particularly high in New York City where economic disparities and ethnic tensions were particularly pronounced.

On the morning of July 13 a crowd of approximately 500 people gathered at the Ninth District provost marshal’s office, where the draft lottery was being conducted. Led by the volunteer firemen of Engine Company 33 the crowd attacked the building, throwing paving slabs through the windows and setting it on fire. They smashed up vehicles, killed horses, and cut telegraph lines. The rioters soon moved their focus to AfricanAmerican residents, and what began as a draft protest turned into a race riot.

City officials struggled to contain the violence. The local police force was overwhelmed, and the New York State Militia had been deployed to Pennsylvania to deal with Confederate forces. It wasn’t until Union Army regiments were redirected from the Battle of Gettysburg that order was restored. By July 16, the military had successfully quelled the riots.

Over 100 people were killed in the riots and thousands more were injured. In addition, millions of dollars of damage was caused to buildings and property, making the New York City draft riots the largest civil urban disturbance in American history.