Detroit Burning (With author Tobin Buhk)

Show Notes for "Just One More Question" Podcast

 Episode Title: Exploring Detroit Burning: The Race Riots of 1863 with Author Tobin Buhk

Episode Summary: In this week’s episode, we sit down with author Tobin Buhk to delve into his latest book, Detroit Burning: The Race Riots of 1863. Buhk unpacks the turbulent events of March 1863, when the combination of a controversial draft law and the trial of local saloonkeeper William Faulkner for the rape of two young girls ignited one of the most violent days in Detroit’s history. This pivotal event, marked by inflammatory media coverage and deep-seated racial tensions, led to what has been described as "the bloodiest day that ever dawned upon Detroit," leaving a permanent mark on the city's social fabric and catalyzing the creation of Detroit’s first metropolitan police force.

Buhk's book offers a gripping account of the Detroit riot of 1863, weaving together rare eyewitness testimonies, court records, and trial transcripts to shed light on the complex social dynamics of Detroit during the Civil War era. He identifies key figures involved, examines the contributing factors to the riot, and contextualizes Faulkner's trial within the broader political landscape of the time.

Guest: Tobin Buhk, author of Detroit Burning: The Race Riots of 1863

Key Points:

• The Trial: Discussion of William Faulkner's trial and its role in sparking the riot.
• Media's Role: How sensational newspaper coverage fueled racial animosities.
• Impact on Detroit: The lasting effects of the riot on the city's social and political landscape.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Rarely seen testimonies and records that bring the event to life.
• Police Force: How the riot led to the establishment of Detroit’s first metropolitan police department.

Contact Tobin Buhk: TobinBuhk.com

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Credits:

• Executive Producers: Marc Veazey and Aleks Litts
• Assistant Producer: Kaci High
• Music: Desain
• Hosts: Marc Veazey and Aleks Litts

Tune in next week for another deep dive into history and the cases that shaped it.