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July 23, 1877 – San Francisco, California: "Hoodlum Riots" Destroyed Chinese Property and Lynched four Chinese Men

Date:July 23, 1877
Location:San Francisco, California
Event Type:Riot
Victim Names:Unnamed
Victim Gender:Male
No. of Victims:4
Accusation:Labor dispute
Compiled By:Kevin Hegg
Map showing location of San Francisco, California

Narrative

In July 1877, San Francisco was convulsed by violent anti-Chinese rioting. Mobs of unemployed white workers destroyed Chinese-owned businesses and lynched at least four Chinese men. The unrest was driven by economic tensions and exemplified the broader wave of anti-Chinese attacks in 1877.

Related Newspaper Article(s)

The Hoodlum Outbreak

The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California)

July 25, 1877 (Page 2)

Hoodlum gangs in San Francisco attacked and burned Chinese wash-houses, killing two men. The violence prompted full police mobilization and the formation of a Committee of Safety. Officials emphasized that Anti-Coolie Clubs were not responsible for the riots.

Reign of Riot

San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California)

July 26, 1877 (Page 3)

On July 25, 1877, San Francisco descended into violent anti-Chinese riots, with mobs looting and destroying over twenty Chinese wash-houses, particularly around Rincon Hill. Fires caused half a million dollars in damage. Several people, including Chinese and white bystanders, were killed or injured. An inflammatory anti-Chinese meeting helped incite the violence, which overwhelmed police until a citizens' committee and fire department intervened. The city remained in panic as authorities prepared for further unrest.