The American Socialist Party is formed in New York City on August 1.

On December 8, the American Federation of Labor (AF of L) is established in New York.

Grover Cleveland (New York) is elected the twenty-second President of the United States on November 4.

The Brooklyn Bridge is opened to the public on May 24.

The New York City Draft Riots erupt on July 13 and continue until July 16. An estimated 2,000 people are killed before U.S. troops restored order. This is the worst urban insurrection in the nation's history.