A history of drag in the United States.

Historic Drag Queens

19th Century

After the Civil War, people born into slavery who were freed would start drag and ball culture in major cities, like William Swann.

"Macintosh or Drag" ball was broken up, Alexandria Gazette (Article, 1861)
Police break up a "Drag" ball, Jeffersonian (Article, 1861)
Police raid against Willian Dorsey Swann, article describes a "drag". (1887)
Another police raid against William Dorsey Swann, article states they wanted to "give a drag". (1896)