The Stonewall Inn: A Landmark of LGBTQ+ History
The Stonewall Inn, located in New York's Greenwich Village, is a pivotal landmark in American civil rights history. Recognized as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, this site transformed from a local bar into a symbol of global resistance following the historic Stonewall Riots of 1969.
From Stables to a Speakeasy
The history of the buildings at 51-53 Christopher Street dates back to the 1840s when they were constructed as separate horse stables. In 1930, the two structures were combined with a single facade in the Arts & Crafts style. The location operated as a restaurant, 'Bonnie's Stonewall Inn,' from 1934 until 1966.
In 1967, the establishment was purchased by members of the Genovese crime family, including 'Fat Tony' Lauria, and reopened as a gay bar. To operate, the owners bribed police and ran the Inn as a 'private club' to circumvent liquor laws that targeted gay patrons. Despite the lack of a liquor license, it became a popular haven with two dance floors, a rarity where same-sex couples could dance together.
The 1969 Stonewall Riots
The defining moment for The Stonewall Inn came on June 28, 1969. A police raid, a common occurrence at the time, sparked an unexpected and powerful reaction. Patrons and community members fought back, leading to a six-day uprising. Figures like Marsha P. Johnson and Stormé DeLarverie were key participants in the resistance that ignited the gay liberation movement.
In a dramatic turn of events, the police who conducted the raid were forced to retreat and barricade themselves inside the bar for safety from the growing crowd outside. This spontaneous act of defiance marked a critical shift in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.
A National Monument
After the riots, the original bar closed. The space at 53 Christopher Street was reopened as The Stonewall Inn in 1990. Its immense historical significance has been formally recognized over the years. The Stonewall Inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2000, the first LGBTQ cultural site to receive the honor. In 2016, it became the centerpiece of the Stonewall National Monument.
The Stonewall Inn Today
Today, The Stonewall Inn continues to operate as a vibrant gay bar and a powerful symbol for the LGBTQ+ community. It hosts drag shows, live music, karaoke, and has offered wedding receptions since New York's Marriage Equality Act passed in 2011. The adjacent building at 51 Christopher Street now serves as a visitor center for the Stonewall National Monument, reuniting the historic space and preserving its legacy for future generations.
FAQ
Why is the Stonewall Inn famous?
The Stonewall Inn is famous as the site of the June 1969 Stonewall Riots, a six-day uprising against a police raid that is considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.
Who owned the Stonewall Inn during the 1969 riots?
During the 1969 riots, The Stonewall Inn was owned and operated by members of the Genovese crime family, who ran it as a gay bar without a liquor license by bribing police.
Is the Stonewall Inn still an active bar?
Yes, The Stonewall Inn at 53 Christopher Street is an active gay bar that hosts events like drag shows, live music, and karaoke. It is also a major tourist attraction and historical landmark.
What is the Stonewall National Monument?
The Stonewall National Monument, designated in 2016, is a U.S. National Monument in Greenwich Village that includes The Stonewall Inn, Christopher Park, and surrounding streets to commemorate the site of the 1969 riots.
