One of the deadliest Civil War-era riots in the Union North, resulting in nine deaths and drawing President Lincoln into its resolution.
Key Facts
- Date
- March 28, 1864
- Deaths
- 9 (6 Union soldiers, 3 civilians)
- Wounded
- 12
- Initial arrests
- 50
- Prisoners held post-riot
- 15
- Prisoners released by Lincoln
- November 4, 1864
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Deep political and cultural divisions in Coles County, Illinois, between pro-Union Republicans and anti-war Democrats known as Copperheads created volatile tensions. Personal animosities and conflicting loyalties in the community set the stage for violent confrontation when Union soldiers returned home on leave.
On March 28, 1864, Union soldiers on leave clashed with local Copperhead Democrats in Charleston, Illinois. The violent confrontation left six Union soldiers and three civilians dead and twelve others wounded, making it one of the deadliest Civil War riots in the North. Around fifty individuals were arrested in the immediate aftermath.
Fifteen prisoners became the focus of a struggle between military authorities seeking to try them as a deterrent and civilian supporters petitioning for civil proceedings. President Abraham Lincoln, who had personal ties to Charleston, ultimately ordered the prisoners released on November 4, 1864, after months of deliberation over civil versus military jurisdiction.
Political Outcome
Nine killed and twelve wounded; fifteen prisoners held for months before President Lincoln ordered their release on November 4, 1864, resolving the conflict through civil rather than military authority.
Military authorities sought to try riot prisoners by court-martial as a deterrent against further insurrection
Lincoln intervened, releasing prisoners through executive action, affirming civil process over military tribunal