The Philadelphia Nativist Riots: Irish Kensington Erupts - Hardcover

Milano, Kenneth W

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1540221539 ISBN 13: 9781540221537

Publisher: History Press Library Editions, 2013

Synopsis

The outskirts of Philadelphia seethed with tension in the spring of 1844. By May 6, the situation between the newly arrived Irish Catholics and members of the anti-immigrant Nativist Party took an explosively violent turn. When the Irish asked to have their children excused from reading the Protestant version of the Bible in local public schools, the nativists held a protest. The Irish pushed back. For three days, riots scorched the streets of Kensington. Though the immigrants first had the upper hand, the nativists soon put the community to the torch. Those who fled were shot. Two Catholic churches burned to the ground, along with several blocks of houses, stores, a nunnery and a Catholic school. Local historian Kenneth W. Milano traces this tumultuous history from the preceding hostilities through the bloody skirmishes and finally to the aftermath of arrests and trials. Discover a remarkably intimate and compelling view of the riots with stories of individuals on both sides of the conflict that rocked Kensington.

About this title

About the Author

Kenneth W. Milano is a historical & genealogical researcher. He was born and raised in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. Milano received his degree in History from Temple University. His 2006-2011 column The Rest is History"? is well remembered by readers of Star Newspapers. He is one of the founders of the Kensington History Project."

Edition details

• Publisher: History Press Library Editions
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1540221539
• ISBN 13: 9781540221537
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 162