Differences in 19th Century NYC and Modern-Day Violent Crime

In the 19th century, particularly in New York City (NYC), the landscape of violent crime looked quite different from what we see in modern times. Historians and contemporary researchers have meticulously documented these differences, offering valuable insights into the past.

Violence and Public Punishments

During the 19th century, Americans, especially those in NYC, led a life marked by resilience and a willingness to confront harsh living conditions. Interestingly, the rate of actual homicides was lower compared to today. However, it would be a misnomer to say that violence was nonexistent. In fact, the likelihood of being physically assaulted was much higher than in current times, while the likelihood of being shot or stabbed was relatively lower.

The harsh reality of 19th-century life often resulted from the brutal and swift punishments meted out for crimes such as rape, murder, kidnapping, and horse theft. Public executions and other forms of retribution provided a stark reminder of the consequences of criminal behavior, leading to a culture of fear that deterred many from engaging in violent acts.

Violence in 19th Century NYC

New York City in the 19th century was a far more violent place than it is today. Contemporary 19th-century journalist Herbert Asbury's book, "The Gangs of New York," and historian Bruce Chadwick's new history of the NYPD in the mid-19th century provide vivid accounts of the time. The violence was prevalent, and it was far less policed. Unfortunately, the standard of living in Little Italy in NYC during this period was quite harsh. The neighborhood's residents, numbering about 100,000, suffered approximately 400 murders annually, a figure that is far more significant than the entire Old West region of the United States during the same period. Street shootouts between rival gangs in NYC were often larger and more bloody than the well-known "Gunfight at the OK Corral," with dozens on each side taking part in these encounters.

Public Safety and Police Training

The physical dangers faced by policemen in these times are also stark. So many officers were killed or severely injured that they often had to be replaced with recently immigrated workers from Italy and Ireland, who were desperately seeking employment and faced severe discrimination from other employers. Patrolling by foot, with the nearest backup being just one officer a block away and communication limited, made the job perilous. The NYPD, with only around 50 officers, struggled to manage large-scale riots that took place roughly monthly from the 1830s to the 1870s. Local militia units were called in to quell these riots, emphasizing the chaotic and violent nature of the era.

Crime and Law Enforcement

The challenges in solving crimes during this era were significant. Police departments were relatively new, modeled mostly after Robert Peel's creation of the London Metropolitan Police Department and Scotland Yard. Detection methods were rudimentary, and detective work was only beginning to take shape. Therefore, most crimes went unsolved without a witness or accomplice revealing the perpetrator. Witness testimonies and denials were the dominant means of resolving crimes. Law enforcement officers often had limited investigative skills and training, leading to a high rate of unsolved cases.

Self-defense mechanisms were paramount in this environment. Pocket or purse-sized revolvers, deringers, stout canes, and sword-canes, leather pouches, and stockings full of lead shot, and "saps" (slingshots) were commonly carried by men, women, and children. The culture of self-reliance was deeply ingrained, offering individuals some measure of protection in a lawless environment.

Conclusion

The 19th century in New York City presents a stark contrast to modern times in terms of violent crime. Public punishments, public fears, and a culture of self-reliance in defense mechanisms contributed to a society that was both more and less violent than today. Understanding these differences provides valuable context for the evolution of law enforcement and public safety practices in the United States and beyond.