The Mokena Riot of 1864 - Part 1

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In the early days of the not yet incorporated Village of Mokena, our Front Street saw its bloodiest day. On August 15, 1864, As a group of Irish immigrants were returning to Chicago from a day of picnicking in Joliet, their train slowed to a stop in our town. Tiring of waiting on the train, the Chicagoans' began to exit the train and find their way into the few businesses lining Front Street. It didn't take long before the Mokena business owners were firing shots out of their doors, the train passengers pelted the buildings with boulders they picked up in New Lenox, and one building is described as being removed from the streetscape of Front Street.
There were many wounded and killed that day, though none of those killed were residents of Mokena. This riot, or as the Chicago Times called it, "A Carnival of Blood", struck out town at a time where many from town were off fighting in President Lincolns Army, yet the horrors of war came to town that day.
We hope you enjoy this 2 part story!
You can find a link to Matt's article that this episode is based on HERE!

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Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.
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