On July 21, 1877, the Great Railroad Strike ignited in Pittsburgh, as striking Baltimore & Ohio Railroad workers gathered at the 28th Street crossing in the Strip District to protest wage cuts.
As local and state authorities attempted to quell the demonstrations, the standoff spiraled into one of the most destructive and violent labor uprisings in American history.
Over the next two days, angry crowds and striking workers burned the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Union Depot, destroyed over 100 locomotives and 500 rail cars, and torched 39 buildings.
Rioting resulted in approximately 61 deaths across the city as local National Guard units and federal troops were able to restore order.
To mark the anniversary, here are some of the many American songs about the country’s fascination and relationship with rail transportation. But first, here’s some background on the events surrounding the strike, courtesy of the Civics & Coffee Podcast.
Source: community.triblive.com
