April 15, 1970 a march to Harvard square protesting the Viet Nam war turned to riots
The number of protesters was estimated to be around 1,500 when they entered Harvard Square at 7pm. At 7:20pm, the street lights were turned off and police formed a blockade. Some protesters started rioting, throwing bricks, smashing windows, setting fires and taunting Harvard University students watching from their dormitories. About 2,000 police officers started charging the protesters at 8:19pm, firing tear gas. The streets were cleared at about 1am and the National Guard soldiers dismissed at 2am. A curfew imposed that evening was lifted at 6am.
314 people were treated for injuries, including 35 policemen. Damages were estimated at $100,000.
Future Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was at this event, and says it was a catalyst for his disillusionment with leftist movements and began his turn to conservatism.
Photographs by Spencer Grant
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