This was only a couple generations removed from us. Like, my grandfather was a kid (elsewhere) when this happened.
The picture of the guns makes it look like a primary armed rebellion but apparently it was initially peaceful, and when state troops intervened, they confiscated guns from both strikers and the "armed guards" sent to break the strike.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paint_Creek–Cabin_Creek_strike_of_1912
The union called a strike for April 18, 1912.[4] Their demands were:
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That the operators accept and recognize the union.
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That the miners' right to free speech and peaceable assembly be restored.
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That black-listing discharged workers be stopped.
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That compulsory trading at company stores be ended.
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That cribbing be discontinued and that 2,000 pounds of mined coal constitute a ton. That scales be installed at mines to weigh the tonnage of the miners.
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That miners be allowed to employ their own check-weighmen to check against the weights found by company check-weighmen, as provided by law.
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That the two check-weighmen determine all docking penalties.
Oh my god is this why American tons are 2000lbs for some fucking reason? Because that has NEVER made sense to me
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Nice arrangement! Shame they didn't get to fulfill their purpose
