New London in New London County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
The Hotel Bristol
Black Heritage Trail City of New London
Photographed By Michael Herrick, February 16, 2023
1. The Hotel Bristol Marker
On May 29, 1919, an hours-long brawl between Black and white Navy sailors erupted at the Hotel Bristol at 92 Bank Street. With five thousand people surrounding the hotel, the New London police and fire departments were unable to control the crowd without military assistance. Between fifteen and twenty sailors were arrested and dozens of Black sailors severely beaten.
The race riot at the Hotel Bristol was one of two in New London that year and one of at least sixteen major riots across the country. Targets of racial violence were often Black servicemen who refused to accept second-class citizenship after serving in World War I. Labor tensions in the Northeast and Midwest during the Great Migration and the stress of a global flu pandemic contributed to the unrest.
NAACP field secretary James Weldon Johnson coined the term "Red Summer" to describe the bloody racial violence of 1919.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • Military • War, World I. A significant historical date for this entry is May 29, 1919.
Location. 41° 21.172′ N, 72° 5.681′ W. Marker is in New London, Connecticut, in New London County. Marker is on Bank Street west of Golden Street, on the right when
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 138 Bank Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 133 Bank Street (within shouting distance of this marker); The Amistad (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Middle Passage to New London (about 300 feet away); "Do you want to be slave or free?" (about 300 feet away); Humpback Whale (about 300 feet away); New London Waterfront (about 400 feet away); Eastern Oyster / Summer Flounder (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New London.
Photographed By Michael Herrick, February 16, 2023
2. The Hotel Bristol Marker
Photographed By Michael Herrick, February 16, 2023
3. The Hotel Bristol Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 26, 2023, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
