The conflict caused by the Civil War made its way to New York City. Although New York was a northern city, it had significant commercial ties to the south. Consequently, when the first federal draft was implemented in New York City, in July of 1863, riots ensued. The large immigrant Irish population was enraged, feeling that they were being sacrificed to war for freed blacks who would arrive from the south and take away their jobs. In addition, these workingmen did not have the advantage of paying $300 to be exempt from the draft as did wealthy New Yorkers. The rioters attacked armories, black churches, homes and individuals, as well as homes of the wealthy, including Mayor George Opdyke.

The riots in New York: the mob burning the provost Marshals office (1863), New York Public Library.

The Rioters Dragging Col. O’Brien’s Body Through the Street (1880), New York Public Library.

‘To the laboring men of New York’ (1963), Library of Congress.

Mayor Opdyke in the midst of the draft riots abandoned City Hall and took shelter at the St. Nicholas Hotel. He was not willing to compromise with the rioters.

The Durst collection includes the Official Documents, Addresses, Etc. of George Opdyke, Mayor of the City of New York, During the Years 1862 and 1863. New York: Published by Hurd and Houghton, 1866. The volume includes letters from the Mayor written during the riots.

New York (N.Y.). 1866. Official documents, addresses, etc., of George Opdyke mayor of the city of New York during the years 1862 and 1863. New York: Hurd and Houghton.