Kensington Riots of 1844
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The first of two 1844 riots in Philadelphia took place May 6–8 and was part of a wave of violence in American cities sparked by Protestant nativists’ attacks on Irish Catholic immigrants. The clashes caused dozens of deaths and injuries and destroyed more than 30 buildings. Local authorities’ failure to maintain order led to such reforms as municipal consolidation in 1854, a unified police force, and the Catholic diocese’s first parochial schools.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
For three days in May 1844, the Kensington district erupted in the first of two riots that tore through Philadelphia that year, part of a national wave of Protestant nativist violence aimed at Irish Catholic immigrants. Dozens were killed or injured and more than thirty buildings were destroyed as local authorities failed to restore order. The chaos spurred lasting reforms, including the 1854 consolidation of the city, a unified police force, and the Catholic diocese's first parochial schools.
Why it matters
The riots exposed the violent edge of anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic sentiment in antebellum America and helped drive the creation of modern urban policing and the Catholic school system.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- National Constitution Center1.4 mi away · 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Betsy Ross House1.4 mi away · 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Illadelph Glass Gallery1.5 mi away · 68 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia1.5 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Muse Gallery1.5 mi away · 52 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Larry Becker Contemporary Art1.5 mi away · 43 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Harbison's Dairy Milk Bottle0.8 mi away
- Philly Gun Range1.0 mi away · North Percy Street
- Elfreth's Alley1.4 mi away
- U.S. Mint at Philadelphia Tour1.4 mi away
- Benjamin Franklin Grave1.5 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate1.6 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
Food & drink
- Independence Mall Cafe1.5 mi away · 50 North Independence Mall East, Philadelphia
- 3J's Cafe1.6 mi away · 317 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bubble Tea Room1.6 mi away · 319 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- PrimoHoagies1.6 mi away · 304 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Fork1.6 mi away · 306 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Menagerie Coffee1.6 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Express Philadelphia E - Penns Landing1.4 mi away · 100 North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District1.5 mi away · 400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Clarion Suites Philadelphia1.5 mi away · 1010 Race Street, Philadelphia
- Four Points by Sheraton Philadelphia City Center1.5 mi away · 1201 Race Street, Philadelphia
- The Philadelphia House1.5 mi away · 17 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Sleep Inn Center City1.5 mi away · 1020 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related events
- · Kensington Riots of 1844
Themes & tags
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