Mapping The Mine War

Part of this documentary project is to the map locations of significant events of the Illinois mine war. Thus far I've included information on events in Springfield, the Midland Tract, and the famous Mulkeytown March. You'll find text, photos and even video linked to the various locations.

View Illinois Mine War in a larger map

More to come.

Mine War Site - Peabody No. 7

Former site of Peabody No. 7 mine in Kincaid, IL which was active from 1912 to 1952. Mass picketing occurred here during the mine war. In 1933, PMA Women's Auxilliary member, Emma Cumerlato was shot and killed a few dozen yards from here.

Emma Cumerlato

"Coal Country" Premieres in West Virginia

A new film entitled, COAL COUNTRY will premiere today at the Cultural Center of the Capitol Complex in Charleston West Virginia.

The film's web site describes the piece as "the dramatic struggle around the use of coal, which provides over half the electricity in America. In Appalachia, miners and residents are locked in conflict: is mining and processing coal essential to providing good jobs, or is it destroying the land, water and air? What does this mean for the rest of America and the world?"

Here's the trailer:

Although originally scheduled to premiere at the LaBelle Theater in South Charleston, the film had to find a new venue when the board of canceled the screening because of a “potential security concern". These concerns were spurred by the threats of the coal industry to have their followers out in force to picket the event. You can read more about this from Jeff Biggers at the Huffington Post.

You may also host a screening of the film in your community. Go to the COAL COUNTRY web site to learn how.

Mine War Site - Peabody Mine No. 8

Former site of Peabody Mine No. 8 in Tovey, IL which was active from 1914 to 1954.

Mass picketing occurred here during the mine war. The state militia intervened on behalf of the coal company and the United Mine Workers to break the picket line.