New York was a “copperhead” city. These were sympathizers for the Southern cause in the fight over slavery, many motivated by the lucrative trade in cotton centered in New York’s exchanges and counting houses, and they had an enormous voice in local politics. Democrat James Buchanan took office on March 4th that year, serving until Lincoln’s inauguration in 1861. Buchanan was often called a “doughface,” a Northerner with Southern sympathies, who encouraged the Supreme Court to rule against Dred Scott in its infamous 1857 decision issued two days after Buchanan’s accession to office.

1857 also marked the year of tremendous battles between the Mayor, Fernando Wood, and the New York State Legislature, over control of the local police force.

The BLOODY DEED of 1857

The BLOODY DEED of 1857

The Year 1857

and The Merchant's House Museum