The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886
Historical eventAbout
The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886 was a pivotal labor event involving over 200,000 workers across five states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. It began on March 1, 1886, following the dismissal of a Knights of Labor member, Charles A. Hall, in Marshall, Texas, for attending a union meeting on company time. The strike targeted railroads owned by Jay Gould, including the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific lines. Workers sought better wages, safer conditions, and adherence to labor agreements. The strike was marked by significant unrest, including sabotage and confrontations with strikebreakers. Despite initial support, the strike ultimately failed due to lack of backing from skilled trainmen and government intervention. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers continued working, while Gould hired strikebreakers. Military forces were deployed, and federal courts issued injunctions against strikers. The strike's failure led to the decline of the Knights of Labor and the rise of the American Federation of Labor. It remains a notable example of labor struggles in the late 19th century.
