Port Washington Civil War Draft Riot

Port Washington Civil War Draft Riot. . , During the Civil War, Wisconsin Governor Edward Salomon postponed the draft several times but finally gave authorization for several counties to hold lotteries. In Ozaukee County, Draft Commissioner William A. Pors set Monday, November 10, 1862, for the draft lottery. As he approached the courthouse in Port Washington, formerly located on this site, he was greeted by hundreds of angry onlookers chanting, "No draft! No draft!" The unruly crowd included many immigrants who opposed the war, the draft, and compulsory military service. As he attempted to begin, some of the protesters rushed forward, and a full-blown riot was underway - the first major draft disturbance of the Civil War. Pors was pushed down the courthouse stairs, pummeled, kicked, pelted with rocks, and chased. He fled for his life to Milwaukee, where he telegraphed the governor for assistance. , The mob destroyed draft materials, paraded in the streets under a "No Draft" banner, and vandalized the homes of Pors and several other prominent citizens. The protest ended two days later when companies of the 28th Wisconsin arrived from Milwaukee to restore the peace. The soldiers arrested more than 130 people, who were first held at Camp Washburn in Milwaukee and then moved to Camp Randall in Madison. No charges were filed, and all were released over the next few months. The Ozaukee County draft resumed on November 14 under the watchful eyes of soldiers. It was completed without incident. Despite the draft riot, Ozaukee County had an outstanding Civil War record.