NYC Draft Riots, The Killing of Henry O'Brien, 1863

Henry F. O'Brien (died July 14, 1863) was the colonel of the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment who was killed during the New York City draft riots in 1863. As commander of the Fire Zouaves, he rallied around 150 infantry against approaching rioters in front of Oliver's Livery Stable near the East River. After a brief skirmish with the rioters, the mob retreated and O'Brien left his command and walked up the avenue entering a nearby drugstore. He was attacked, kicked and hit with stones by a group of rioters who had recognized him. Although some local residents attempted to help, rioters attacked bystanders attempting to bring him food and water. He was eventually taken by rioters to his nearby home where he was tortured to death and mutilated beyond recognition. The New York City draft riots (July 13-16, 1863) were violent disturbances in Lower Manhattan, motivated by discontent with laws passed by Congress to draft men to fight in American Civil War. The riots remain the largest civil and racially-charged insurrection in American history. The protests turned into a race riot, with white rioters, predominantly Irish immigrants, attacking black people throughout the city. The official death toll was listed at 120 individuals. Pen and Pencil Sketches of the Great Riots by Joel Tyler Headley, 1882

Picture No

12697324

Media ID

47701293

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4350px x 3247px (2.4MB)

Credit

British Library/Science Source/Mary Evans