Description

The Cincinnati riots of 1884, also known as the Cincinnati Courthouse riots, were caused by public outrage over the decision of a jury to return a verdict of manslaughter in what was seen by some as a clear case of murder. A mob in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, attempted to find and lynch the perpetrator. In the violence that followed over the next few days, more than 50 people died and the courthouse was destroyed. It was one of the most destructive riots in American history. It comprised approximately 10,000 persons marching from Cincinnati Music Hall to the jail and Hamilton County Courthouse. In response to the violence, Ohio Governor George Hoadly ordered all members of the Ohio National Guard as well as all state-owned ammunition immediately to Cincinnati.