Famous Last Words
George Engel
Chicago, Illinois
November 11, 1887
“Hurrah for anarchy! This is the happiest moment of my life.”
Anarchist and toy store owner George Engel was arrested, tried, and convicted for conspiracy in a recent Haymarket riot. The riot started as a peaceful protest with demonstrators demanding eight-hour work days, but quickly became violent when police attempted to disperse the crowd leading to a protestor throwing a stick of dynamite at police officers. The blast and subsequent gunfire took the lives of 7 officers and 4 civilians. Engel was hanged with 3 other conspirators on November 11, 1887.
