Telegrams pertaining to the 1892 Buffalo Riot
Statement on Language
Some content in this finding aid may contain offensive terminology. For more information on why this language is occasionally retained, see: New York State Archives Statement on Harmful Language in Descriptive Resources.
Overview of the Records
Repository
- New York State Archives
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Summary
- This series includes correspondence primarily between militia leaders and occasionally their subordinates. One can find a number of telegrams and letters addressed to Major General Josiah Porter in Albany, Governor Roswell P. Flower, and Brigadier Generals Peter Doyle and James McLeer. The content of these telegrams and letters centers on the mobilization of state militia troops at Buffalo, but many also contain descriptions of the chaos erupting in the city.
Title
- Telegrams pertaining to the 1892 Buffalo Riot
Quantity
- 0.5 cubic feet
Inclusive Dates
Series Number
- A4122
Creator
Administrative History
On August 13, 1892, switchmen workers in Buffalo, NY, outraged over their railroad company's refusal to obey a law passed earlier that year that mandated a raise of the minimum wage, decided to strike in protest. The switchmen strike quickly turned into a violent, uncontrollable riot. Strikers tried everything in their power to stop the movement of trains and set a number of abandoned railcars on fire. On August 17, Buffalo police received assistance from thousands of state militia infantries throughout New York, from as far away as Rochester, Syracuse, Auburn and Elmira. The strike ended on August 25, when the strikers found it too difficult to go against the police and militiamen without the support of numerous strikebreakers, who favored returning to work. The switchmen agreed to return to work, yet many were ostracized by the railroad company afterward because of their participation in the strike.
Scope and Content Note
This series includes correspondence primarily between militia leaders and occasionally their subordinates. One can find a number of telegrams and letters addressed to Major General Josiah Porter in Albany, Roswell P. Flower (Governor of New York, 1892-1894) and Brigadier Generals Peter Doyle and James McLeer.
The content of these telegrams and letters centers on the mobilization of state militia troops at Buffalo, but many also contain descriptions of the chaos erupting in the city. In addition to correspondence, there is also an illustrated guide to the City of Buffalo.
Access Restrictions
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.
Access Terms
Corporate Name(s)
- New York (State). Governor (1892-1894 : Flower)
- New York (State). Military Department
- New York (State). National Guard