In 1871, Los Angeles is a diverse and rough frontier town of about 6000 people, including almost 200 Chinese. On October 24, shootings between two Chinese brotherhoods attract police to the small Chinatown on Calle de los Negros. Drawn into the violence, a Latino policeman is wounded and a deputized white rancher is killed.

Rumors quickly spread through town that the Chinese are massacring whites. A mob of about 500 assembles and assaults Chinatown, looting, chasing and shooting at Chinese men. They surround one building, climb up and chop holes in the roof, and shoot down into it, killing at least three people.

Fifteen Chinese men are publicly hanged over the course of the night.

Eight rioters will be convicted of manslaughter, but those convictions will be overturned on technicalities.