Boundary Stones
Washington, D.C.’s First Election Riot
Special | 2m 46s
In 1857, an anti-immigrant political movement tried to stop an election with violence at the polls.
Even in Washington, D.C.'s long and complex history of suffrage, the deadly election riot of June 1, 1857, stands out. That was the day anti-immigrant rioters — armed with sledgehammers, pistols, and even a cannon — attempted to win an election through brutal violence at the polls, clashing with police and forcing President James Buchanan to order out the United States Marines.
Boundary Stones is a local public television program presented by WETA
Boundary Stones
Washington, D.C.’s First Election Riot
Special | 2m 46s
Even in Washington, D.C.'s long and complex history of suffrage, the deadly election riot of June 1, 1857, stands out. That was the day anti-immigrant rioters — armed with sledgehammers, pistols, and even a cannon — attempted to win an election through brutal violence at the polls, clashing with police and forcing President James Buchanan to order out the United States Marines.
How to Watch Boundary Stones
Boundary Stones is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Boundary Stones is a local public television program presented by WETA