THE BATTLE OF BLAIR MOUNTAIN PITTED WV MINERS AGAINST THE U.S. MILITARY


By bblouin
The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum with a Battle of Blair Mountain exhibit.

Labor disputes are bound to happen. Sometimes, laborers have to stand up for their rights and it can lead to uncomfortable conversations and even strikes. Nevertheless, the Battle of Blair Mountain takes the cake. In August 1921, miners had had enough and reached an impasse with their companies leading to an eventual standoff between unions and lawmen. Things ended violently as the 10,000 coal miners were ready to fight for what they believed in, prompting responses from the U.S. military. The Battle of Blair Mountain is the biggest labor uprising ever seen in America. Thus, it holds a unique place in the history of our nation’s workers, law enforcement, and military. Suggested read: 25 Years Ago Super Smash Bros. Changed Fighting Games Forever

What Was the Battle of Blair Mountain?

The Battle of Blair Mountain is the biggest armed conflict the United States has seen since the American Civil War on U.S. soil. In the heart of Appalachia, the Coal Wars took off between the late 19th century and early 20th century. This showdown in Logan County, West Virginia, was a major part of it. From August 25, 1921, until September 2, 1921, the Battle of Blair Mountain in West Virginia pitted around 10,000 coal miners armed against 3,000 strikebreakers, known as the Logan Defenders, and law enforcement. The conflict would end up involving the West Virginia Army National Guard after President Warren G. Harding sent troops and bombers to end the conflict.

Why Did the Battle of Blair Mountain Happen?

The Logan Defenders were going to the Battle of Blair Mountain WV to get miners back to work. A strike was underway because of the United Mine Workers union. Furthermore, mines were only hiring non-union workers while forbidding union membership in contracts. This was all occuring during the Coal Wars. Additionally, the union’s president, John L. Lewis, was looking for a permanent solution. Thousands would end up joining the union and would subsequently lose everything. Several armed conflicts led up to the Battle of Blair Mountain. But the Matewan Massacre is of particular note:

  • Agents were confronted by Police Chief Sid Hatfield and the miners he deputized.
  • Specifically, this included notorious union buster Albert Felts who turned the tables with a warrant for Hatfield’s arrest.
  • The mayor would end up declaring the warrant illegitimate and Hatfield shot Albert Felts. He, along with Lee Felts and eight others, would end up dead in the aftermath of the gunfight.

This created a pathway for Hatfield to convert a jewelry store into a gun shop. However, Hatfield would be on trial for killing Albert Felts. This helped fuel his popularity and strengthen morale. Hundreds of miners were arrested, protests continued, and Hatfield was killed by Baldwin–Felts agents on his way to another trial. This would lead to enraged miners. The UMW District 17 union rallied as this was the final straw. The governor rejected miner demands, and groups began to march, armed and ready for change. Sheriff Chafin set up anti-union defenses on Blair Mountain to stop the miners with financial backing from the Logan County Coal Operators Association. Violence was inevitable. There were no more conversations to be had. The 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain was the culmination of outrage, violence, and injustice that would turn Appalachia into a warzone.

One Million Rounds Fired in Logan County, West Virginia

The Battle of Blair Mountain would have miners draped with red bandanas around their necks standing off with law enforcement and anti-union forces. This is actually where the term “redneck” comes from. On August 26, 1921, President Warren G. Harding warned the miners that troops would meet them along with U.S. Army Martin MB-1 bombers to curtail violence. But skirmishes were underway and as rumors fueled the anger in miners about shootings and conflicts. By August 29, 1921, the Battle of Blair Mountain would see miners trying to survive poison gas, planes dropping bombs from private aviators, and bullets. Army bombers also conducted recon and a combination of the West Virginia National Guard and volunteers fought the miners. This wasn’t a small skirmish either, if the use of chemical weaponry and bombs didn’t paint a clear enough picture. Both sides were using Gatlin guns and Tommy guns, causing bullets to rain down heavily over the next several days. In total, both sides were firing around one million shots. On September 2, 1921, the Federal military showed up and changed the nature of the conflict. As many of the miners were Veterans, they didn’t feel comfortable firing on troops they once served beside. This would effectively end the Battle of Blair Mountain in 1921 as miners headed home. Related read: The Tommy Gun Is a Complicated, Important Part of American History

How Many People Died In the Battle of Blair Mountain?

In total, there were 16 Battle of Blair Mountain deaths, which broke down to only four miners losing their lives. However, this figure could be higher. The exodus of miners looking to avoid jail time meant caches of weapons throughout the area. Some were found later helping historians better understand the movement of fighters and the conflict. Nearly 1,000 miners faced charges ranging from conspiracy, to murder, to treason. Most escaped charges but some did face as much as four years in prison. An unexploded ordinance used by the government helped with acquittal for some, showcasing the harsh methods used by the opposing forces. The coal industry reveled in its success as membership for unions plummeted. However, the conflict did shine a light on the working conditions of miners in WV which eventually saw progress for workers during the New Deal. It’s a complex situation that affected active duty and Veteran portions of the military community at the time. Though not much is left of the Battle of Blair Mountain, it’s still a unique, important moment for hard-working, blue-collar Americans. Read next: Mexican Drug Cartels Using Military Weapons Investigated

Photo source: Roger May via Wikimedia Commons


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