The Broad Street Riot of 1837 was one of Boston's many historical melees.  This one took place when a company of Yankee firefighters ran into an Irish funeral.  Despite our reputation as a coastal liberal enclave, Boston has a history of hostility towards newcomers.  When Irish immigrants began arriving in our harbor en masse, Yankee nativists welcomed them with violence and prejudice. Before long, a funeral procession in the wrong place at the wrong time led to a brawl with well over 10,000 participants and onlookers.

Show notes: http://HUBhistory.com/084