The Battle of Blair Mountain

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The Battle of Blair Mountain was the largest labor uprising in U.S. history, occurring from August 25 to September 2, 1921, in Logan County, West Virginia. It involved approximately 10,000 armed coal miners who marched to protest poor working conditions, low wages, and squalid housing. The miners aimed to reach Mingo County to demand better treatment and lift martial law that inhibited union organizing. However, they were met with resistance from Sheriff Don Chafin's army of 3,000 lawmen and strikebreakers, leading to a violent confrontation. The battle saw intense fighting with gunfire and aerial bombardment, marking a significant moment in American labor history. The conflict ended with the intervention of federal troops, who peacefully dispersed the miners. Despite not achieving their immediate goals, the event symbolized workers' struggles against oppressive conditions and remains a powerful symbol of labor solidarity. The battle highlighted the challenges faced by miners and the broader labor movement in the early 20th century, leaving a lasting impact on American labor history.