Political corruption in New York City in the 1850s results in two competing police departments: the Municipal, loyal to Mayor Fernando Wood; and the Metropolitan, recently established by the State Legislature.

The Mayor, known for accepting bribes for badges, defies court order and installs his pick for Street Commissioner on this day in 1857. The Metropolitan Police issue warrants for the Mayor’s arrest. Fights break out at City Hall between the two police forces, resulting in over 50 injuries. The Mayor is arrested but spends less than an hour in jail.

For months, the police forces work against each other and New York is largely lawless. Criminal gangs go on a spree. The Municipal Police are disbanded by court order in the fall. Pro-Confederate Mayor Wood will be elected to Congress.