Seattle riot of 1886 against Chinese residents (1886)

The Seattle riot of 1886 occurred from February 6 to 9, 1886, driven by anti-Chinese sentiment and labor competition. A Knights of Labor mob attempted to forcibly expel Chinese residents, leading to clashes with local militia and federal troops. The incident resulted in the removal of over 200 Chinese civilians and injuries to several participants.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Anti-Chinese violence in the Western United States intensified in the 1870s, culminating in Seattle's 1885-1886 riots. Unemployed whites sought to drive Chinese residents from the city. The Knights of Labor chapter, led by organizer Daniel Cronin, planned a systematic expulsion, declaring that all Chinese must leave Seattle by November 1, 1885.

Expulsion Attempt. On February 6, 1886, the Knights of Labor charged a six-man committee with delivering an ultimatum to Chinese residents to leave or be forcibly removed. At midnight, local militia and figures like McGraw blocked attempts to lead remaining Chinese to a train to Tacoma, preventing immediate expulsion.

Aftermath. Violence erupted between rioters and federal troops ordered by President Grover Cleveland. The incident resulted in the removal of over 200 Chinese civilians from Seattle. Two militia men and five rioters were seriously injured, with one later dying. Federal troops arrived on February 10, finding the city devoid of traces of rioting.

People involved

Sources

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