Orange Riots (1871)
Library of Congress/Wikimedia CommonsTroops work to break up the mob on 8th Aveneue at 25th Street during the Orange Riots.
Harmon LeonCurrent look at the site of the Orange Riots at 25 Street and 8th Avenue.
On July 12, 1871, a violent clash between Irish Protestants, Irish Catholics, and the police resulted in the deaths of some 60 people, making this one of the deadliest riots in New York City history.
The trouble started during a parade held by Irish Protestants (known as “Orangemen”) that celebrated the victory of the King of England and Prince of Orange, over James II. As the parade route made its way up 8th Avenue, Irish Catholic residents of Hell’s Kitchen taunted the participants – which escalated into what’s now known as the Orange Riots.
It didn’t help matters any when armed militia started firing into the crowd without being ordered to do so. Likewise, it was no help that the already-present parade crowd only provided more people to add to the mayhem, which carried on in motion with the parade route until the crowds finally dispersed.
