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The Boston Draft Riot

Bunker Hill Monument, Boston, MA.jpg

The Boston Draft Riot occured over about a 24 hour period on July 14th of 1863.  It began during the second day of the New York City draft riot.  It started when a draft officer was assaulted by a crowd.  A crowd demonstrated for several hours in front of the District Two police station.  It was concentrated mostly in the North End and Downtown neighborhoods.  About eight people were killed and several were wounded when rioters attempted to break into the Cooper Street Armory that was being guarded by the military.  In the evening, several attempts were made by various groups of rioters to break into downtown stores and steal firearms.  The military and police stopped most of these attempts.   Overnight, there were attempts at arson, looting and clashes between rioters and authorities.  By the morning of July 14th, the riot became subdued and the city returned to normal.

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