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 George Catlin painting of theFive Points, Manhattan,New York City in 1827, the territory of the "Chichesters" and other Irish gangs. | |
| Founded by | John Chichester |
|---|---|
| Founding location | Five Points, Manhattan,New York City |
| Years active | 1820s-1860s |
| Territory | Five Points, Manhattan, New York City |
| Ethnicity | Irish-American |
| Membership(est.) | 7-? |
| Criminal activities | Street fighting,gambling,arson,rioting |
| Allies | Dead Rabbits,Tammany Hall |
| Rivals | Bowery Boys |
TheChichesters also known as theChichester Gang, along with theForty Thieves,Shirt Tails, andKerryonians, were one of the oldest early 19th century IrishFive Points street gangs during the mid 19th century inNew York City. The Chichester Gang was organized by its founderJohn Chichester. The gang got their start by stealing from stores and warehouses and selling the stolen goods to local fences in the 1820s and later became involved in illegal gambling and robbery. An ally of theDead Rabbits against theBowery Boys, the Chichesters maintained between 50-100 members lasting for more than 50 years before being absorbed by theWhyos, much like many of the early gangs, following theAmerican Civil War in 1865.