Photo By Joseph Siemandel | Washington National Guard members lined up for a photo during the 1891 mining strike...... read more read more
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Washington has forever been known for our abundance of natural resources and materials. Early settlers seeking their fortunes traveled west in seek of gold, silver and other minerals that would help them hit pay day. This group also brought strife and conflict, often leading to worker strikes and violence.
In the late 1880s, the state was booming. The railroad expansion was moving into the state and the need for coal was at an all-time high due to the demand to power the trains and homes. However, labor unions in the area felt workers were being treated unfairly. Forced to go into poor working conditions and low wages, the coal miners’ union wanted changes in pay and benefits between themselves and the mine owners, the Oregon Improvement Company. Strikes were frequent, but in the summer of 1891, with the miners being out of work for months due to a lengthy strike, the company felt the pinch and brought in replacement miners from out of state. Replacement miners would work the mines near Gilman (known today as Issaquah), Franklin, Black Diamond and New Castle.
The replacement miners were labeled as invaders and violent threats were made toward them before they arrived to the work sites. As replacement workers began mining operations, tensions remained high among the Washington miners and the company. For several weeks no violent actions took place, nor were there any indications of hostile acts, until the night of June 24th 1891. A large body of armed men riotously assembled in Gilman, threatening to destroy the buildings and machinery connected to the operations of the area coal mines. By the night’s end, the local sheriff, who was not present at the time, and the mine company owner knew they were overmatched by the rioters and reached out to Col. John G. Haines, the commander of the 1st Regiment of the Washington Infantrymen in Seattle for the National Guard’s assistance. Haines, not wanting to overstep his authority, telegraphed Gov. Elisha Ferry in Olympia.
“I am informed that a riot has occurred at Gilman, and the destruction of mine property is threatened now by armed men. The sheriff is at Walla Walla. His deputy here declines to act for want of authority. The owners of the mine have appealed to me for protection. I have refused until properly ordered. If the sheriff requests me to send troops to use as a posse, can I do it without orders from you? I am informed the situation is critical, and that loss of life and property are likely unless prompt action is taken,” telegraphed Haines.
Ferry agreed that if calls for an armed force to suppress a riot, or to enforce the execution of the laws at Gilman, in King county, were needed then one or more companies of the National Guard were necessary and authorized.
On the evening of June 27th, replacement miners traveling via train from Franklin to Newcastle were met with a barrage of gunfire. Former miners seized the opportunity of weakened security and raided the Franklin mine, stirring up violence, in which two men were killed and several wounded. The sheriff’s deputy at that point was unable to stop the riot or disperse the mob. As night fell the fighting ceased but the two sides were gearing up to resume fighting the next morning.
At 10:30 that evening, Haines received a telegram from the deputy asking for National Guard members to come to the Franklin mine to assist the civil authorities in preserving the peace. Guard members were scattered throughout the city, but were collected and sent to Franklin by morning.
“I have received a request from the deputy sheriff to send a company of the National Guard to Franklin immediately, he expecting a riot at any moment. Several persons have been shot. I have ordered a company there, and will accompany them. I have no specified orders from you except for Gilman. If my action is not approved, wire me at Franklin,” said Haines to Ferry in a telegraph on June 27th.
On the morning of June 28th, several companies arrived to the Oregon Improvement Company’s mines at Franklin and then followed by companies in Gilman to preserve the peace.
On July 2nd, Ferry telegraphed back to Haines.
“The civil authorities should disarm all unauthorized armed bodies at Franklin, Gilman and elsewhere in King County where there is danger of a riot or breach of the peace. You will render all necessary assistance to the civil authorities in this direction. After disarmament/ the sheriff and deputies will probably be able to preserve the peace, and the presence of the military will no longer be required. A request for voluntary disarmament by all the parties should be made before active measures are taken. Elisha P. Ferry, Governor.”
Following the governor’s orders, the county sheriff requested Guard member be sent to Black Diamond and New Castle. Their goal was to preserve the peace of the cities and allowing mining operations to occur. Guard members would remain on duty protecting the mines and miners until recalled on July 18, 1891.
| Date Taken: | 12.09.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2021 16:59 |
| Story ID: | 410836 |
| Location: | CAMP MURRAY, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 416 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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