The Newsies Rally occured on July 16th and 17th of 1999 in New York City. Its purpose was to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the newsboys' strike which took place in New York City in July of 1899. In 1992, Disney produced the film Newsies which was based on the actual strike of 1899. Though a box office flop, Newsies steadily grew in popularity, forming a strong internet following. Inspired by the actual events of the film and by loyal fans of Newsies, the idea for the Newsies Rally was born. The Newsies Rally of 1999 was an opportunity for fans of the movie Newsies to meet each other and learn more about what the actual life of a newsboy in 1899 was like.