The Great Riots of New York 1712 to 1873

The origin of the term Dead Rabbits, which became so well known this year from being identified with a serious riot, is not certainly known. It is said that an organization known as the Roach Guards, called after a liquor dealer by that name, became split into two factions, and in one of their stormy meetings some one threw a dead rabbit into the room, and one party suddenly proposed to assume the name.