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Telegrams pertaining to the 1892 Buffalo Riot

Some content may contain outdated and offensive terminology. See: New York State Archives Statement on Language in Descriptive Resources

Overview of the Records

Administrative History

On August 13, 1892, switchmen workers in Buffalo, NY, outraged over their railroad company's refusal to obey a law passed earlier that year that mandated a raise of the minimum wage, decided to strike in protest. The switchmen strike quickly turned into a violent, uncontrollable riot. Strikers tried everything in their power to stop the movement of trains and set a number of abandoned railcars on fire. On August 17, Buffalo police received assistance from thousands of state militia infantries throughout New York, from as far away as Rochester, Syracuse, Auburn and Elmira. The strike ended on August 25, when the strikers found it too difficult to go against the police and militiamen without the support of numerous strikebreakers, who favored returning to work. The switchmen agreed to return to work, yet many were ostracized by the railroad company afterward because of their participation in the strike.

Scope and Content Note

This series includes correspondence primarily between militia leaders and occasionally their subordinates. One can find a number of telegrams and letters addressed to Major General Josiah Porter in Albany, Roswell P. Flower (Governor of New York, 1892-1894) and Brigadier Generals Peter Doyle and James McLeer.

The content of these telegrams and letters centers on the mobilization of state militia troops at Buffalo, but many also contain descriptions of the chaos erupting in the city. In addition to correspondence, there is also an illustrated guide to the City of Buffalo.

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the material.

Access Terms