161 years ago on July 13th, 1863
The New York City draft riots erupt in Lower Manhattan
The rioters were variously angry that the rich could buy their way out of the Civil War and worried that freed former slaves, who did not need to sign up for the draft, would further increase competition for low-wage jobs. After three days, 120 people had been killed, multiple buildings burned, and at least 2,000 injured.
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