A physical clash between rival police forces at New York City Hall exposed deep political corruption and required state militia intervention to restore order.
Key Facts
- Date
- June 16, 1857
- Location
- New York City Hall
- Alleged bribe for street commissioner post
- 50000 USD
- Arrest warrants issued
- 2 warrants against Mayor Wood
- Militia commander
- Major General Charles W. Sandford
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Mayor Fernando Wood appointed Charles Devlin as city street commissioner instead of Daniel Conover, amid allegations that Devlin had purchased the position for $50,000. This corrupt appointment, along with a confrontation between Wood and Conover at City Hall, prompted courts to issue two arrest warrants against the mayor, setting the stage for armed conflict.
On June 16, 1857, members of the recently dissolved Municipal Police and the newly formed Metropolitan Police clashed in a physical brawl in front of New York City Hall. The fighting broke out when Metropolitan officers attempted to execute arrest warrants against Mayor Wood, whose Municipal Police loyalists actively resisted them.
The riot was ultimately suppressed only through the intervention of the New York State Militia under Major General Charles W. Sandford. The episode underscored the dangers of having two rival, politically divided police forces operating simultaneously in New York City and highlighted the extent of municipal corruption under Mayor Wood's administration.
Political Outcome
The riot was quelled by state militia intervention; Mayor Wood was not successfully arrested on the day, but the dual police crisis exposed serious municipal corruption.
Mayor Fernando Wood controlled the Municipal Police and appointed city commissioners with alleged corruption
State militia asserted authority; the newly formed Metropolitan Police gained de facto legitimacy over the dissolved Municipal force