History of Drag (USA)

A history of drag in the United States.

Historic Drag Queens

• William Dorsey Swann (1858-1925)

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.

Drag Queens

• William Dorsey Swann (1858-1925)

Police Raids on Drag Events

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• 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)