Strike Centennial Kick-Off

Striking miners gather outside the Calumet office of the Western Federaion of Miners in 1913. Photo courtesy Michigan Tech Archives, Image #MS003-007-001C-12

On this day in 1913 the Michigan Copper Miners’ Strike began in the Copper Country. On July 15, 1913 the Western Federation of Miner’s locals sent letters to mine managers asking for a meeting to state grievances and discuss union recognition, however mine managers ignored the call for a meeting. Tensions erupted on July 23 with miners not reporting for work or walking off the job.  After the first day of the strike, nearly all the mines in the copper district closed with strikers blocking entrances to the mines. The coming months saw much violence, strife, and tragedy for striking miners, their families, and the local communities as a whole.

To commemorate the historic start of the strike and kick-off the centennial there are two events today.  The Coppertown USA Mining Museum will host an open house and feature their new Anna “Big Annie” Clemenc exhibit. This takes place from 11 am – 4 pm today. For more information please call the museum at (906) 337-4354.

Also, Fort Wilkins State Park will feature Author Gary Kaunonen who will give a presentation on the 1913-1914 Copper Strike and Italian Hall tragedy. This starts tonight at 7:30.  For more information on centennial events please check the calendar of events section of this website, as it will be updated often.