Gangs of 19th Century New York
Summary
This episode explores the rise and evolution of New York City street gangs in the 19th century, tracing their origins in the Five Points slum. It details the violent rivalry between the Irish Dead Rabbits and the nativist Bowery Boys, culminating in the 1857 Dead Rabbit Riot. The narrative also covers the later dominance of the Wyo gang and the transition to organized crime through figures like Paul Kelly, whose Five Points Gang produced future mobsters.
Listen ad-free on Castria