Destruction of the COA

By Monday, July 14, 1863, the rioters were in a frenzy. They set upon the city, attacking Black people, homes of abolitionists, newspapers, the draft office, and more.

Rioters on Lexington Avenue holding a "No Draft" sign

Around 2:30 PM, they set upon the Colored Orphan Asylum, where 200 Black children called home. The staff quickly ushered the children out through the back while police and firemen tried their best to keep the rioters at bay.

The question that haunts me is what would make adults attack a home for orphans? What kind of heinous people would do such a thing? Many of the books and articles I’ve read stated that the rioters were jealous of the children. They lived in a nice home with furnishings and food, whereas the rioters were immigrants struggling to survive in their new country while living in not-so-great conditions in tenements. They didn’t believe colored children DESERVED to have a nice place to live. When I think of how terrified the children must have been having adults yell and scream obscenities just because of their race, I’m incensed. All children deserve to feel and be safe.

plaque in honor of the orphanage

The rioters took everything from the orphanage. They looted their books, school supplies, furniture, clothing, bedding, vegetables, animals, rugs, pictures from the wall — you name it! Then they burned the building to the ground, leaving orphaned children homeless.

The burning of the orphanage leaves my protagonist, Florence, heartbroken. But so much happens before this point in time, and I can't wait to share with readers next summer.