'Bloody Angle' street with dark past of violence named deadliest in US history

01 October 2023 , 06:00

822 0

Doyers Street, a narrow alley, hides a gruesome history of violent clashes and bloodshed (Image: BBC)

A road with a dark past of violent clashes between rival gangs has a reputation as the deadliest street in American history.

Nestled within the bustling Chinatown neighbourhood of New York's Manhattan, Doyers Street, a seemingly unassuming 200ft-long alley, holds a dark and harrowing history that has earned it the infamous title of "The Bloody Angle," a name that sends shivers down the spines of both locals and visitors alike. This narrow, inconspicuous thoroughfare, characterised by its sharp bend in the middle, has seen more bloodshed and violence than any other street intersection in American history.

Doyers Street, named after the 18th-century Dutch immigrant Hendrik Doyers, belies its serene appearance with a past fraught with turmoil. Once a centre of culture and entertainment, it was here that the first Chinese language theatre in New York City stood from 1893 to 1911. However, this vibrant period soon gave way to a reign of terror orchestrated by warring Tong Gangs that would leave an indelible mark on the street's legacy.

'Bloody Angle' street with dark past of violence named deadliest in US history qhiqhhiutidedinv

Rival Tong Gangs, like Hip Sing and On Leong, turned the street into a battleground (BBC)

The early 20th century witnessed a string of gruesome killings, many of which involved the use of hatchets, leading to the coining of the term "hatchet man."

Rivalries between the notorious Hip Sing Tong and On Leong Tong erupted into brutal shootouts, with bullets flying amid packed theatres and crowded streets. In 1905, a tragic shooting at the Chinese Theater claimed three lives, and a series of retaliatory attacks only fueled the flames of violence.

Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probe

One particularly shocking incident occurred in 1909 when members of the On Leong Tong were fatally shot by their rivals, the Four Brothers' Society, also known as the See Sing Tong.

'Bloody Angle' street with dark past of violence named deadliest in US history

Hatchet-wielding killers and deadly shootouts earned Doyers Street its chilling "Bloody Angle" nickname (BBC)

This brutal cycle of revenge reached a chilling crescendo in 1994 when law enforcement officials declared Doyers Street the deadliest intersection in American history, surpassing all others in its grim toll of violent deaths.

The legacy of Doyers Street is not solely one of bloodshed, it is also a testament to resilience and cultural richness. Amidst the turmoil, businesses like the Nom Wah Tea Parlor, which opened its doors in 1920, continue to thrive, preserving a slice of history amidst the chaos.

The street's peculiar layout, connecting Chatham Square, the Bowery, and Pell Street, has puzzled many, yet it served as a nerve centre for the bustling Chinatown community.

Amidst the violence, businesses like Nom Wah Tea Parlor persevered, becoming cultural landmarks (BBC)

Over the years, efforts have been made to transform Doyers Street into a beacon of cultural celebration.

The street's pavement was adorned with vibrant murals, such as the Rice Terraces mural by Dasic Fernández in 2021, and a touching tribute to beloved photographer Corky Lee in September 2021.

Initiatives like the Light Up Chinatown campaign have also aimed to infuse new life and vitality into this storied stretch of pavement.

Today, Doyers Street's transformation includes vibrant murals and community initiatives, reclaiming its heritage (BBC)

In a bid to reclaim its history and vibrancy, a 2017 pilot program by the Chinatown Partnership transformed Doyers Street into a pedestrian-only zone during daytime hours, with the hopes of expanding the initiative if successful.

As Doyers Street stands today, a mix of barbershops, restaurants, and the United States Postal Service continues to serve the diverse community of recent immigrants who call Chinatown home.

Doyers Street's journey from a haven of culture to a battleground of rival gangs, and finally to a symbol of revitalization and unity, stands as a stark reminder of the complex tapestry that makes up the American experience.