When a bright young Dutchman landed in Philadelphia in 1873, why did he only stay a few years before moving on to a better future in Massachusetts? I found a detailed list of historical incidents that offer insight into Philly’s culture. 1
The Nativist riots in Philadelphia during the 1830’s ~ 1840’s indicate signficant social conflict, independent of race.2
The Philidelphia riot in 1828 “among the (resident) weavers” was triggered when Stephen Heimer, a watchman, was killed. This appears to be the first riot.
The next riot referenced in 1832:
August 10-12. Race riots between whites and blacks at and adjacent to a flying horse exhibition (carousel) South Street above Seventh. Three hundred special constables sworn in to quell the nightly riots.
But…most sources indicate that riot occurred in August of 1834. 3
There’s reference to a different riot in 1834, but that rabbit hole got me nowhere.
The various breadcrumbs of information and implications, including biases, are duly noted (even if not evident in major sources4).
Context matters. Biases matter. This city was effectively lawless and politically charged. Riots and distruction were, perhaps, the norm.
Reference to an 1835 riot led only to info on an 1835 labor strike demanding a 10 hour workday and a wage increase.5 Unionizing labor and the working class riots and strikes are worthy of further investigation.6
In 1837,
As newspaper editor Joseph Chandler put it, "Let no one lift up his eyes and groan against the South. Bowie knives, dirks and pistols are worn, shown and used in Philadelphia as well, if not 'as much as they -are in Mobile. We scarcely hear of a slight rumpus, but we also learn that knives or pistols were drawn."7
The Kensington Riots of 1844 were religious/ethnic8.
Racial and Natavist conflicts9, along with religious, political and economic strife, were pervasive in that era.10
None of which directly speaks to the conditions of Pennsylvania in the 1870’s, but perhaps lays the groundwork. Philadelphia’s complicated history, and the context of Nativism, industrialization, oppression of class and race11, and racial/ethnic blurring12 will require further research.
Let’s do this!
https://www.ushistory.org/philadelphia/timeline/ (There are a remarkable number of fires reported)
Boundaries of Responsibility: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and THE Pennsylvania Riot Damage Law, 1834–1880 https://journals.psu.edu/phj/article/download/60311/60251/0
Cross-referencing is tedious, but necessary. The preponderance of references support 1834.
NOTE: Need to fact check “1835 - July 12. Riots. Houses inhabited by African-Americans, in the neighborhood of Shippen (Bainbridge) and Eighth Streets, sacked.”
https://www.american-historama.org/1866-1881-reconstruction-era/us-labor-unions-history.htm (BOOKMARKED for further investigation)
United States Gazette (Philadelphia), April 17, 1837. (quoted from "HUNTING THE NIGS" IN PHILADELPHIA: THE RACE RIOT OF AUGUST 1834 BY JoHN RUNCIE*) https://journals.psu.edu/phj/article/download/23611/23380/0
https://catholicstand.com/forgotten-history-anti-catholic-riots/
The Rise and Fall of Repeal: Slavery and Irish Nationalism in Antebellum Philadelphia https://journals.psu.edu/pmhb/article/download/58920/58646
https://hsp.org/sites/default/files/legacy_files/migrated/thephiladelphiariotsof1844.pdf (the violence was indiscriminate)
https://www.irishamerica.com/2008/01/pennsylvanias-irish/
https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/middle-eastern-and-north-african-immigrants-united-states-2016