The State Guard cracks down on rioters in Boston Common

Photographs

September, 1919

Boston Public Library

Original Record

Black and white photograph of a group of people in the Boston Common. The background is a park filled with trees. It also features a two-story tall fountain. The fountain is ornately decorated and has two levels that the water falls from. The bottom level is about four to five feet above the group of people, and is about twice the diameter of the top level. The water falls off of the levels in single rivulets from equidistant spots around their edges. In front of the fountain is a short metal fence, and in front of the fence is a dirt pathway. On the dirt pathway is a large group of men and boys. They are all wearing dark suits and have hats, some of which are boaters, newsboys, and bowlers. These people are gathered tightly together in the center of the image and all have their hands up. In the foreground are three State Guards corraling the group. They are in State Guard uniforms including trench coats and campaign hats. Each holds a rifle with accompanying bayonet at the ready in front of him. The guards are all three in action, stepping towards the group of men in an attempt to keep them all together.

The State Guard quelled the riots and restored order through rifles and bayonets.

In the photograph by Leslie Jones, the State Guard can be seen chasing after participants in the disorder of the riots.

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