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Governor Peabody "Colorado Mine Disturbance Veteran Badge"

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Governor Peabody  Colorado Mine Disturbance Veteran Badge
In 1901 the miners of Telluride, Colo, walked out, calling for a set daily wage, and for union representation. Mine owners refused and hired non-union men to reopen the mines. Some 250 armed strikers confronted the scab miners and after killing three, forced the rest to leave town. The owners were forced to agree to a $3 minimum daily wage. This fair settlement did not bring peace to the mines, for in 1903 there was a general strike of the mill and smelter workers and miners. In Colorado City the Western Federation of Miners called a strike demanding wage increases and the eight-hour day. A strike of miners in Cripple Creek involved 3500 miners from 50 mines. The mine owners brought in outside miners and appealed for martial law. On 4 Sept. 1903 Governor Peabody ordered Brig. Gen. Sherman Bell to proceed to Cripple Creek with the militia to maintain peace and order. On 6 June 1904 (10 months later) an explosion at the Findley Mine railroad station killed 13 non-union miners. The mine owners were quick to blame the union, precipitating lynching, censorship and destruction of the local newspaper. Mobs stormed the union hall and the militia arrested union men and sympathizers. By the 10th over 200 men were forcibly deported from the Cripple Creek District. Soon the mines started up again with non-union miners and the militia left 26 July. [World Exonumia Web site] A three part badge, with top pin: "Colorado City/Cripple Creek/Telluride-Trinidad/1903-1904", with red/white/blue ribbon in excellent condition; lower medal with "James H. Peabody Governor of Colorado/(bust)/1903-1904"; reverse miner with pick at left, eagle above column, CO state seal below, armed militia man to right, mine shaft with railroad car in background, "Law & Order" below. In original box, but box has condition issues.

Date: 1904City: County: State: CO