“The Ludlow Massacre”
Description
Faced with a strike, the mine owners drive the workers from their (company-owned) homes. The National Guard moves in and kills thirteen children by fires and guns. Since President and Governor cannot not stop the guard, fighting continues
Historical references
- Sept 1913 - Beginning of the strike by coal workers against John D. Rockefeller's Colorado Iron and Fuel Co.
- April 1914 - A state militia company (actually composed of company thugs) attacks the Ludlow colony of strikers using machine guns and coal oil. 21 people die, including two women and thirteen children; three strikers are taken and murdered. Eventually federal troops are called in
Recordings
- Woody Guthrie, "Ludlow Massacre" (Asch 360, 1945; on on AmHist2, Struggle2)
References
- Scott-BoA, pp. 279-281, "The Ludlow Massacre" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Greenway-AFP, pp. 152-154, "Ludlow Massacre" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Silber-FSWB, p. 134, "The Ludlow Massacre" (1 text)
- DT, LUDLWMAS*
- BI, SBoA279