Sheriff's Posse Kills Striking Immigrant Miners

September 10th, 1897

September 10th, 1897

Sheriff's Posse Kills Striking Immigrant Miners
How Long Ago?

127 years, 6 months, 5 days ago

Location

Lattimer, Pennsylvania, United States

Category

Social Movements & Civil Rights

People
  • Samuel Gompers
  • William Walker
  • Sheriff John L. T. Pugh
Links & References
Tags

Sheriff's Posse Kills Striking Immigrant Miners

In Lattimer, Pennsylvania, armed forces shot at a group of unarmed immigrant coal miners striking for better wages and working conditions. The miners, primarily of Eastern European descent, marched peacefully when they were confronted by the sheriff’s posse, which opened fire, resulting in 19 deaths and numerous injuries. The incident exemplified the tensions between labor movements and authorities during the late 19th century.

19 unarmed miners were killed by sheriff's posse.

Strikers demanded better wages and working conditions.

The event raised national awareness of labor issues.

It led to increased activism among labor unions.

What Happened?

In Lattimer, Pennsylvania, a coal mining region predominantly populated by Eastern European immigrants, a tragic event unfolded involving a labor strike. The miners were demanding better wages and safer working conditions amidst poor treatment by mine owners. As the miners peacefully marched to a nearby colliery in support of their demands, they were confronted by a posse led by the local sheriff, who had been summoned to manage the situation. The sheriff's posse, fearing unrest and seeking to break the strike, opened fire on the unarmed miners without provocation.

The ensuing violence resulted in the deaths of 19 miners and left numerous others injured. The brutality of the attack shocked the local community and garnered national attention, highlighting the violent struggles faced by laborers during a time of rapid industrialization in the United States. The Lattimer massacre became emblematic of the conflict between labor unions advocating for workers' rights and law enforcement acting under the influence of powerful industrial interests.

In the aftermath, the event spurred outrage and protests from labor rights advocates and led to greater activism among labor unions, who rallied around the cause for miners' rights and safety. The local and national labor movements drew lessons from the massacre, with many calling for reforms to improve labor relations and working conditions for miners nationwide, setting the stage for future labor rights advancements.

Why Does it Matter?

The Lattimer massacre is significant as it highlights the struggles of immigrant laborers in the late 19th century and their fight for better working conditions. The violent confrontation between law enforcement and unarmed miners exemplified the broader conflict between labor movements and authorities, catalyzing labor activism in the United States. The incident is part of a narrative that underscores the importance of labor rights, paving the way for future reforms and protections for workers.

Discover More Historic Events from September 10th

Politics & Government

King Charles III Proclaimed Monarch at Accession Council

September 10th, 2022 2 years ago

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III was formally proclaimed monarch during a meeting of the Accession Council at St James's Palace. The event marked the transition of the British monarchy to a new sovereign, with officials and the Privy Council recognizing his ascension in a ceremonial gathering steeped in tradition. Attended by key government advisors and royal family members, this proclamation emphasized the continuity and stability of the British monarchy.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Hurricane Irma's Category 4 Landfall in Florida

September 10th, 2017 7 years ago

Hurricane Irma made landfall on Cudjoe Key in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane after inflicting severe damage throughout the Caribbean islands. It was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the region, causing significant destruction and leading to widespread evacuations. The hurricane resulted in 134 fatalities and over $77 billion in damages, marking it as one of the costliest storms in U.S. history. The extent of devastation experienced highlighted the vulnerabilities of coastal communities to major hurricanes and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Large Hadron Collider Powers Up at CERN

September 10th, 2008 16 years ago

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), located at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, officially began operations, marking the initiation of the world's most powerful particle collider. Designed to explore fundamental questions about the universe, it uses advanced technology to collide protons at unprecedented energies, reaching a total circumference of 27 kilometers. The LHC aims to recreate conditions similar to those just after the Big Bang, investigating the origins of mass and enabling scientists to search for new particles, including the elusive Higgs boson. With thousands of scientists from around the globe collaborating, this monumental experiment is expected to provide groundbreaking insights into the fabric of matter and the universe itself.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Nawaz Sharif Returns to Pakistan from Exile

September 10th, 2007 17 years ago

After spending seven years in exile following a military coup, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan. His arrival in Lahore was marked by enthusiastic support from his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as thousands of supporters gathered to welcome him back. Sharif's return was a significant political maneuver, aimed at capitalizing on public dissatisfaction with the then-current military regime led by General Pervez Musharraf. His homecoming signified a critical moment in Pakistan's political landscape, renewing hopes for democracy and political pluralism.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Switzerland Joins the United Nations

September 10th, 2002 22 years ago

Switzerland officially became a full member of the United Nations, signifying a significant shift in its long-standing policy of neutrality. This change in stance allowed Switzerland to participate more actively in global governance, highlighting its commitment to humanitarian efforts and international cooperation. The decision was welcomed by many Swiss citizens, reflecting a broad consensus on the importance of multilateral diplomacy. With this move, Switzerland sought to enhance its role in global discussions and contribute to peacekeeping missions around the world.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Assassination of Campinas Mayor Antônio da Costa Santos

September 10th, 2001 23 years ago

Antônio da Costa Santos, the mayor of Campinas, Brazil, was assassinated in a violent attack. The assassination occurred while he was driving, and he was shot multiple times. Santos, who was a prominent political figure in the region, had been involved in various reforms and initiatives aimed at improving local governance. His murder sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about the rising violence in Brazilian politics. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the assassination followed, leading to some arrests and a deeper inquiry into the political climate of Campinas.

Continue Reading