The Slave Revolt of 1712
In 1712, there was one of the first protests on Wall Street in the history of the United States. With a high population of slaves in New York City, all living in the south of Manhattan, combined with the fact that they were always in close proximity to free men and their cruel masters, conditions were ripe for an uprising. After converging in a small tavern, about twenty or so slaves armed themselves with rifles, hatchets, and swords. They set fire to an outhouse. Then, in the heart of the financial district, they shot, stabbed and beat white men. At least nine white men were killed and another 6 wounded. This was the culmination of years of tension. In the end, this uprising was suppressed.