The Toughest Gang in Five Points

in 1853, Dennis and Kate O'Conner arrive in New York City with their five-year-old son, Michael. They believe the advertising that America is the land of milk and honey, and free farm acreage is available for everyone. Soon after their arrival a daughter, Mary, is born. Life in America is not what they envisioned. The hardships are worse than what they left behind in famine-stricken Ireland. Starvation, poverty, and few opportunities take a toll on the couple. The family is separated and Michael is left alone on the street to care for Mary. He meets nun named Sister Inez and a boy called Fingers who introduces him to his friends, Rat, Screech, Skinny, and Mouse. They call themselves "The Toughest Gang in Five Points." This fictional story is based on actual historical events from 1850's America.