In 1835, a young 19-year-old slave named John Arthur Bowen found himself at the center of a series of events that would later be known as the “Snow Riot” or “Snow Storm.” Charged with attempted murder, Bowen’s story sheds light on the complex and tumultuous social and political landscape of the time.
It was on August 4, 1835, that Bowen, described as a “black kid,” was loitering with a friend. He had just come from a meeting of the Talking Society, a group dedicated to educating slaves and working for their freedom. This act of seeking education and freedom was not well-received by the white community, especially in the wake of a recent Virginia slave revolt which had sparked calls for abolition and angered slave owners.
In a dangerous environment for a young black man, Bowen left the political meeting and went out drinking in a park near the White House. It is believed that he was intoxicated when he returned to the home of Anna Maria Thornton, the woman who owned him. In the early hours of the morning, Bowen entered the room where his mother and Mrs. Thornton slept, wielding an ax. Although he made no move to harm anyone, Mrs. Thornton’s screams and subsequent spreading of the story led to Bowen’s arrest for attempted murder.
The incident was quickly interpreted as the beginning of a slave rebellion by many white people. The idea that a black man had possibly attacked a white woman added fuel to the fire, despite Mrs. Thornton’s assertion that Bowen had not meant to harm her. The district attorney, Francis Scott Key, known for writing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” took charge of prosecuting Bowen. Key, a prominent lawyer by 1835, was appointed as D.C.’s top law enforcement official by his political hero, President Andrew Jackson.
Key’s handling of the racially charged incident was aimed at asserting control and quelling any perceived threat to the slave order in Washington. However, he could not prevent the fear and resentment from escalating into a white mob that wreaked havoc in the city. The mob destroyed black schools, churches, and homes of free blacks, while law enforcement seemed powerless to intervene. The destruction caused by the mob was unprecedented, reminiscent of the British invasion more than two decades earlier.
The riots of 1835 left a lasting impact, shaping political debates about free speech, property rights, and citizenship rights. The dynamics of American politics that emerged during this time continue to influence the present day, with echoes of the red-blue divide still resonating in contemporary politics.
The events surrounding John Arthur Bowen and the “Snow Riot” serve as a poignant reminder of the deep-seated tensions and injustices that characterized American society in the 19th century. They highlight the struggle for freedom, equality, and justice that continues to shape the nation’s ongoing quest for progress and unity.