State Militia at Emmett Mine

Abstract

This photograph was probably taken during the 1896-1897 miners strike in Leadville, Colorado. In 1896 the Leadville miners were receiving wages of $2.50-3.00 per day, which they felt was not a living wage. Two general strikes were called in 1896, closing down Leadville mines. The mine owners decided to reopen their mines using non-union strike breakers. When trouble erupted the mine owners requested help from the Governor of Colorado, who called in the Colorado State Militia. The Militia camped in Leadville and provided access for the non-union miners to mines, including the Emmet Mine (Emmett Mine). The strike was unsuccessful and ended in 1897. Many of the mines were flooded during their closure and some never reopened.