MARCH 27

On this date in 1884, something happened locally that we sometimes think only happens of late.  On December 24th in Cincinnati, a German immigrant and his mixed race partner, robbed and murdered the owner of a livery stable.  They were arrested immediately and confessed.

The jury in the trial of the mixed race man convicted him of murder and he was hanged.  The trial of the German immigrant was held in March and the German immigrant, by a jury of his peers, was convicted of only manslaughter.  The judge called it a "damned outrage."  The newspapers screamed for justice and poured gasoline on the fire with their headlines.

Days of rioting ensued.  Jurors had to have police protection.  The court house was completely destroyed.   The Ohio Militia was called in.  Fifty-six people died and over 300 were wounded.
By some standards it was one of the most destructive riots in American history - starting 133 years ago today.
😣