Reasons For The Battle Of Blair Mountain

“Was the Bloodshed Necessary?” “How do you confuse a West Virginia coal miner? Show him two shovels and then ask him to take his pick.”- Unknown Post-Civil War years in Appalachia was a difficult time for the coal miner. Transgressions piled and tension soared in the Mountain State, while the region hurdled down an inevitable path towards industrial development. During this time of industrialization, southern West Virginia miners attempted to unionize the coal fields by joining the United Mine Workers of America, or in short UMWA. In September of 1921 a shootout erupted between agents of the Baldwin-Felts company guards and miners of Matewan, WV which sparked what became known as the Battle of Blair Mountain. The Battle of Blair Mountain was one of the largest civil uprisings in United States history and the largest armed rebellion since the American Civil War. By executive order of the President, the U.S. Army intervened and squashed the uprising, resulting in a victory for law enforcement, military, and ultimately for the mine operators and owners. This gives them the
As the agents walked to the train station to leave town, Sid Hatfield and a group of deputized miners confronted them and told the agents they were under arrest. Albert Felts replied that in fact, he had a warrant for Sid's arrest. Testerman asked to see the warrant and after reviewing it dismissed the validity of the document. The shootout known today as the Matewan Massacre erupted and Sid Hatfield shot Albert Felts dead. In the end, 10 men were killed, including Albert and Lee Felts, and Mayor Testerman. This was an enormous symbolic significance for the miners and Sid Hatfield became an immediate legend and hero. This event became a symbol of hope that the oppression of coal operators and their hired guns could be