Today marks the 128th anniversary of Chicago’s Haymarket Square Riot.
Brief summary of events:
- May 1st, 1886: Many across the country went on strive demanding an eight-hour workday.
- May 3rd, 1886: Two strikers were killed by police in Chicago.
- May 4th, 1886: Chicago laborers held a rally in response to the previous day’s events. During the rally, a bomb was thrown towards the police and gunshots followed. By the end of the night, multiple officers and protesters were killed.
Although it is unknown who threw the bomb, several people were put on trial and sentenced to death, found guilty of a bombing conspiracy.
Check out WBEZ’s Curious City website to hear an audiocast related to the historic event, and to read an analysis by professors and historians on how the incident affected Chicago’s culture at the time.
To view a list of library books about the Haymarket Square Riot, click here.
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