Collection

Harper’s Weekly article steamboat riot in Iowa, Black workers killed

Harper’s Weekly article and illustration, Harper’s Weekly Journal of Civilization, August 28, 1869, Vol. XIII, no. 661, p.548
The caption reads “Steamboat Riot on the “Dubuque, Above Davenport, Iowa, July 29, 1863 — sketched by H.H. Henderson.”
The article in full: “Our illustration on this page represents a scene of inhuman butchery scarcely every paralleled. The tragedy occurred on board the steamer ‘Dubuque,’ just above Davenport, Iowa, on July 29. About 250 raftsmen, or harvesters, had taken passage on this boat. They drank freely, and at length it became necessary to restrain their movements. The crew consisted of about thirty negroes, and, as it devolved upon them to repress the tumult, they became the victims of the rioters. Six of them were killed, and on their attempt to escape on their arrival at Hampton Landing they were pursued on shore. At Clinton a large number of the rioters were arrested. Two of the murderous gang were seriously wounded during the conflict on the boat.”
The cover page shows various stages of an eclipse.

Date

August 28, 1869

Location

New York, New York

Source

Harper's Weekly Journal of Civilization, August 28, 1869, Vol. XIII, no. 661, p.548

Media Type

Magazine