Podcasts History The Bowery Boys: New York City History #127 The Civil War Draft Riots

#127 The Civil War Draft Riots

Published: July 22, 2011, 4:06 a.m.

The week of July 13, 1863, was indeed among the most dangerous weeks to be a New Yorker. The announcement of conscription to replenish Union troops -- and the inclusion of that incendiary $300 exemption fee -- fell upon jaded ears, and as the draft lottery neared, some New Yorkers planned to rebel.