The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Troy’s Draft Riot Of 1863 At The Stephentown Historical Society

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Michael Barrett will give an illustrated talk on Troy’s draft riot of 1863 at the Stephentown Historical Society meeting on Monday, August 6, at 7:30 pm. The meeting will be at the Stephentown Heritage Center on Garfield Road, Stephentown. It is free and open to the public. The building is handicapped accessible. For directions or information, phone 518-733-5675.
While the city of Troy was a bustling industrial center during the Civil War period, the lives of her workers reflected the same social, financial and emotional upheaval that had torn the nation apart. Local economic and political disparity had led to the early and successful organization of labor and related political affiliations. These factors were compounded by the enactment of the first military conscription act in American history, which included provisions that many considered to be onerously weighted against the laboring class. This turmoil led to what has been called the second most destructive draft riot in the nation, necessitating some rather unusual governmental responses. This illustrated lecture is a true story about the people and events who don’t always make it into the history books.
Barrett earned a B.S. in Criminal Science at Russell Sage College while working as a police officer for the City of Troy. He went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from the Western New England School of Law, in Springfield, MA. From 1985 to 1992, he maintained an office as Attorney and Counselor of Law in private practice in Troy. He is presently employed as Deputy Director of the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway in Troy as well as Director of the Furniture Program for Troy Area United Ministries.
He is a member of many of the local historical societies and has lectured at, or led historical tours, for over seventy different organizations. Among other positions, he is Past President of the Brunswick Historical Society, a Past Chairman and Editor of the Capital District Civil War Roundtable, a former member of the Board of Advisors at the N.Y.S. Military Heritage Museum and a contributing author to The Encyclopedia of New York State.