The Astor Place Riots were a fascinatingly chaotic chapter in New York City's history, taking place on May 10, 1849, at the Astor Opera House, located at 130 St Marks Pl in Manhattan. This riot wasn't your average rowdy crowd; it was a full-blown cultural and class clash, a theatrical feud turned deadly.
The Main Characters
First, meet the two leading men: Edwin Forrest and William Charles Macready. Forrest was America's first bona fide superstar actor, a man of the people, adored by the working class. Macready, on the other hand, was a British thespian of high repute, favored by the upper crust. Think of it as the 19th-century version of a celebrity Twitter feud, but with more corsets and top hats.
The Feud
The animosity began when Macready criticized Forrest's acting skills during a tour in England. Forrest retaliated by hissing at Macready during a performance. Their rivalry intensified back in the States, where their respective fans were more than willing to take sides. Forrest's supporters were largely working-class immigrants, while Macready's admirers were the elites. It was a powder keg waiting to explode.
The Riot
On May 7, 1849, Macready attempted to perform "Macbeth" at the Astor Opera House. Forrest's fans disrupted the show by hurling rotten eggs, potatoes, and even chairs. Macready, not one to back down, insisted on another performance on May 10. This time, the elite patrons bought up all the tickets to keep the riffraff out, but the working-class mob gathered outside.
As Macready took to the stage, the crowd outside swelled to an estimated 10,000 people. They pelted the building with stones, shattering windows and causing mayhem. The police and National Guard were called in, but the situation escalated. Shots were fired, and by the end of the night, at least 22 people were dead, and many more were injured.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- The Astor Place Riots are often cited as one of the deadliest riots in New York City's history.
- The riot led to a significant change in how the city managed public order, including the formation of the modern-day NYPD.
- The event highlighted the deep-seated class and ethnic tensions in the city, particularly between the working-class Irish immigrants and the native-born elite.
- The Astor Opera House, designed to be an upscale venue to keep out the "undesirables," was never able to shed its association with the riots and eventually closed down.
- Edwin Forrest continued to have a successful career despite the controversy, while William Charles Macready retired shortly after the riots and returned to England.
The Location
The Astor Opera House was located at 130 St Marks Pl, which is now a bustling area in the East Village. While the original building no longer stands, the site remains a point of historical interest. The area is now known more for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic culture than for its riotous past.
Cultural Impact
The Astor Place Riots had a lasting impact on American theater and society. It demonstrated the power of public opinion and the deep divisions within society. The event is often studied in the context of American social history and is a prime example of how cultural differences can ignite conflict.
So, next time you find yourself in the East Village, take a moment to remember the dramatic showdown that once took place at 130 St Marks Pl. It’s a story of rivalry, rebellion, and a bit of rotten produce—all the ingredients for a truly theatrical event.