On this day in 1912, the Paint Creek Mine War began when West Virginia miners struck, demanding formal union recognition and fairer labor practices. The incident quickly escalated into one of the worst labor conflicts in U.S. history.

The event, also known as the Paint Creek-Cabin Creek Strike, centered on the area enclosed by two streams, Paint Creek and Cabin Creek. It is considered part of the "Coal Wars", a series of armed conflicts between workers and coal companies from the 1890s - 1930s in the United States.

The strike lasted for fourteen months, and over 5,000 workers participated. Notable labor organizer Mother Jones (shown) came to West Virginia to support the workers, organizing a secret march of 3,000 armed miners to the steps of the state capitol in Charleston to read a declaration of war to Governor William E. Glasscock.

The confrontation directly caused approximately fifty violent deaths from armed conflicts between miners and strike-breaking forces, as well as many more deaths indirectly caused by starvation and malnutrition among the striking miners. In terms of casualties, it was among the worst conflicts in American labor history.

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  • FumpyAer [any, comrade/them]
    ·
    edit-2
    6 months ago

    There's plenty of shit I'd try even if it is not a pitched noise. Lay it on me when you get something.

    Also, wear earplugs if it's very loud. Having your ears ring for the rest of your life is Very Annoying, to say the least.

    • GalaxyBrain [they/them]
      ·
      6 months ago

      Ohhh, my ears are fucked. I am an earplugs advocate as well and learned the hard way. DIY punk shows with guitars that sound like vacuum cleaners coming from full stacks in cellars mean I sleep with a really loud fan on.