This was a mafia owned bar and one of the few in the city that was LGBT friendly. On June 28, 1969 the bar was raided by police. This was a common occurrence, however there was an unexpected twist. Typically the people would avoid confrontation but this night was different. It is still debated what started the riot but the bar goers decided to resist the police. This day is now celebrated by Gay Pride marches country wide. Also the bar became a protected historical landmark in March 2000.