August 7, 1921

Frank Keeney and Fred Mooney were leaders of the United Mine Workers (UMW) union District 17. They called for a rally in Charleston, West Virginia. There they met with Governor Ephraim Morgan and presented him with the Union’s demands. The Governor refused these demands.

Within a few days, thousands of union supporters came to the outskirts of Marmet, which is near the state capital of Charleston. According to one source, between 5,000 to 20,000 miners gathered in Lens Creek. Both sides were intent to march to Matewan. Some were already armed, and others gathered arms and ammunition on the way with the help of the town that was along the path to Matewan.

YouTube Video
Matewan The Complete True Story
   • Matewan The Complete True Story  
Website
The Battle of Blair Mountain: War in the West Virginia Mountains
kytnliving.com/the-battle-of-blair-mountain-war/


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