New York Draft Riots, 1863

1863 New York City, USA: First day of the New York Draft Riots in response to President Abraham Lincoln's Enrolment Act of Conscription to draft men to fight in the ongoing Civil War. The first draft lottery was held on July 11, 1863.

The riots, which lasted five days, ending on July 17, are probably the worst in United States history, with possibly 1,000 people or more dying over four days; 18 blacks were hanged, and five drowned ...