Copper Mine Strike of 1913-1914 

The influence of the mining industry is critical to Copper Country history. Around the turn of the century, the big companies in the area were reaping their greatest profits. All this would come to a halt in the summer of 1913, as disenchanted miners began a strike that would tear the region apart. Aided by the Montana-based union The Western Federation of Miners (WFM), the strikers fought against local law enforcement, strike breakers, and even the Michigan National Guard. Months of vandalism, terror, harassment and violence followed. The strike finally ended following one of the greatest tragedies of the early 20th century, and its effects can still be seen and felt in the area to this day.

This section of the VUP will examine the strike. Topics include: an overview of the causes and events of the strike; exploration of the one man drill, one of the main issues at stake; and a presentation of coded telegrams sent between Quincy Mining Co. headquarters in Boston and the local office in Calumet. Also included are documents from the Copper Country Archives, available for download and further study.