minewar.org documenting the 1930's Illinois Mine War
Eyewitness Account of the Mulkeytown March
Last year I was lucky enough to interview Sam Sabattini, a former resident of Bulpitt, IL as well as former member of the Progressive Miners of America. As a teenager Sabatinni participated in a number of union actions and witnessed mine war violence first-hand. Following the fradulent contract referendum, west central Illinois miners organized a […]
Springfield Journal-Register On Sigler Debate
Thanks to Dave Bakke, columnist for the Springfield Journal-Register for his piece on the inclusion of Joe Sigler on the Illinois memorial for fallen police officers. You may read the full article here. To my mind there’s no doubt that Sigler should be included. It seems rather obvious that Sigler’s protection was enlisted by Hugh […]
Sigler To Be Honored In Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial will add the name of mine war martyr, Joseph Sigler on May 13. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund commemorates the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers. Sigler served a unique role within the tiny community of Bulpitt, IL. While he was a miner and member of […]
Who Killed Joe Sigler?
“Who shot Sigler and Jones? Whoever may know is not telling. The ‘mine war’ takes care of its own; and it makes good business for the undertakers.” Murder Stalks The Coal Field Decatur Herald & Review Februrary 10, 1935 Joe Sigler and Harry Jones were shot and killed on September 10, 1934 in a […]
Protect Blair Mountain
The Battle of Blair Mountain was the largest armed insurrection in the U.S. following the Civil War. In 1921, 10,000 armed West Virginia coal miners marched against years of brutality and exploitation at the hands of mine owners and their lackey government officials. After several days, the federal government intervened with disproportionate force, employing a […]
Coal Field “Hell Raiser”
The Progressive Miners of America distinguished itself in a number of ways. Perhaps the most important was the role that women played in organizing and leadership. As a community-based union, the PMA viewed its struggle as that of the community and not limited to the male members of the organization. As pointed out in an […]