The Seattle riot of 1886 occurred on February 6–9 amidst rising anti-Chinese sentiment caused by intense labor competition and in the context of an ongoing struggle between labor and capital in the Western United States. The dispute arose when a mob affiliated with a local Knights of Labor chapter formed small committees to carry out a forcible expulsion of all Chinese from the city. Violence erupted between the Knights of Labor rioters and federal troops ordered in by President Grover Cleveland. The incident resulted in the removal of over 200 Chinese people from Seattle and left 2 militia men and 3 rioters seriously injured.
In this image the Washington State Militia are lined up at the intersection of Main Street and either First or Second Avenue. Behind the men is a sign for Sutherland & Co Grocers, which was located on Main Street, between Second Avenue and Commercial (now First Avenue). The large building behind the men has been identified as a hotel.
Handwritten caption on verso: U. S. Soldiers in Seattle at time of anti-Chinese riot, 1886
Caption information source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_riot_of_1886
ID Number: SHS3486
Date: 1886
Physical Description: 1 photographic print mounted on cardboard: b&w ; 5.25 x 8.5 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
