The Seattle riot of 1886 occurred on February 6-9 amidst rising anti-Chinese sentiment caused by intense labor competition and in the context of an ongoing struggle between labor and capital in the Western United States. The dispute arose when a mob affiliated with a local Knights of Labor chapter formed small committees to carry out a forcible expulsion of all Chinese from the city. Violence erupted between the Knights of Labor rioters and federal troops ordered in by President Grover Cleveland. The incident resulted in the removal of over 200 Chinese people from Seattle and left 2 militia men and 3 rioters seriously injured. In this image the Washington State Militia are lined up at the intersection of Main Street and either First or Second Avenue. Behind the men is a sign for Sutherland & Co Grocers, which was located on Main Street, between Second Avenue and Commercial (now First Avenue). The large building behind the men has been identified as a hotel.

Handwritten caption on verso: U. S. Soldiers in Seattle at time of anti-Chinese riot, 1886 Caption information source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle

• Subjects (LCTGM): Militias--Washington (State)--Seattle; Riots --Washington (State)--Seattle