Arresting the mayor. A train station trunk discovered with naked woman inside. Duping the press into starting a panic on Wall Street. Click through for some of the craziest incidents of yesteryear.

Intrigued by BBC America's Copper, a gripping new cop-drama series set in 1860s New York City from Academy Award®-winner Barry Levinson and Emmy® Award-winner Tom Fontana, we delved into New York City's past and found some truly jaw-dropping scandals that wouldn't be out of place today. Watch the series premiere of Copper Sunday, August 19 only on BBC America. (Continue reading to watch an exclusive trailer.)