On August 6, 1995 the Kentuckiana German Heritage Society commemorated the 141st anniversary of "Bloody Monday" with a mass at St. Martin's Church at Shelby and Gray Sts. This is the location at which one of the most dramatic occurrences of this fateful day took place. The Mayor of Louisville, Mr. Barbee, stood before the church and defied the rioting mob. "If you intend to burn this church, you will have to kill me first", were his words as he stood, unarmed before them, and indeed, they backed down and left.

The tragic civil unrest directed at German, Irish and Catholic immigrants which culminated in, what became known as "Bloody Monday" on August 6, 1855 in Louisville began in the 1850s. Earlier settlers, who called themselves "natives," became increasingly alarmed at the influx of mostly German and Irish immigrants. In 1854 immigration from Europe had reached 300,000 in New York alone. Several nativist parties were formed. One Judson organized the "Know-nothings" which wanted newer immigrants kept out of public office and from voting; they supported Protestantism and were opposed to Catholics. Another party called itself the "Know-somthings."

April 1, 1855, in connection with the elections in Cincinnati, members of the Turnverein were attacked. Similar attacks took place in New Orleans, St. Louis (article) and Chicago, and Columbus, OH. The bloodiest was that in Louisville in connection with the elections. Houses of German and Irish immigrants were burned down and there was loss of life.

Eberhard and Ruth Reichmann
Max Kade German-American Center

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