Speculator Mine Disaster associated records 1917

Collection — Folder: 1

Identifier: SC-2806

Staff Only

Content Description

Artificial collection of records related to labor activity following the Speculator Mine Disaster which happened in Butte on June 8, 1917. Collection includes multi-page typed responses from Mrs. Jack Adams, two addressed to CF Kelley of Anaconda Copper & Mining dated July 17, 19th, 23d, and 31st, 1917. Calls out the management at ACM as well as the Anaconda Standard newspaper for their role in the disaster and/or feeding mis-information about the mine unions and conditions for the workers. Also typed statement from Thomas Campbell, a key union figure. Also a typed letter to Mr. Barker, federal invesigator from an unnamed person, covering the history of union efforts in Montana including the Speculator Disaster.

Dates

Creation: 1917, undated

Creator

Butte Metal Trades Council (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

The Granite Mountain/Speculator Mine disaster is considered the worst hard-rock mine disaster in the United States, with 163 people dying as a result of the fire. The disaster is remembered both for its death toll as well as the strike that ensued following the fire. The fire was a breaking point for the workers in Butte. Left with no unions since 1914, they went on strike and created the Metal Mine Workers’ Union. The companies resisted the mining union organizers' efforts and chose to work with the other trade unions, acquiescing to many of their demands in hopes of isolating the miners' union and forcing an end to the strike. By the end of July, most of the other trade unions had reached a deal and returned to work.