West Virginia Mine Wars: Battle of Blair Mountain

[@MountainRoots]

I love hearing from y'all in the comments! Have you ever been to Blair Mountain? Would you like to see me produce a full length documentary on the Mine Wars?? Let me know in the comments!

[@wbrianna27]

A full length doco would be great! Just thinking that it looks like we are going backwards 100 years with the way things are going.... Let us hope this goes viral as it is so very important! BRILLIANT VIDEO as always Josh.😁

[@CaffeinatedCatLady]

Yes!!! Maybe include "Bloody Harlan" I've been watching and sharing your videos with family who grew up in Appalachia and were raised in Coal! Thank you for your hard work

[@MountainRoots]

@@CaffeinatedCatLady be sure you check out my episode on Harlan! Thanks so much for watching & sharing!

[@MountainRoots]

@wbrianna27 thanks so much, unfortunately social media including Facebook & KZbin have been throttling it and not showing it to viewers unless you know to look for it. Thanks for watching & sharing!

[@hunterpro9925]

As a Logan County resident I've been across Blair Mountain many times

[@304Hibachi]

My great grandfather who I am named after, was one of the miner's fighting at the battle of Blair Mountain. He is buried in Asco Holler outside of Davy in McDowell County. He and my grandfather John McGann the 2nd both moved to McDowell county from Logan County after the mine wars. My grandfather ended up in Sophia, West Virginia in Raleigh County which is where I am from. 5 generations here in West Virginia. Before that, we were in Rowan County North Carolina after the Civil War until the industrial revolution. My 6th great grandfather who I'm also named after, had came from Ireland to NYC 10 years after Civil War and went straight to NC for work before moving to WV and becoming a coal miner in Logan county. His son, my great grandfather who fought in mine wars led a group of men at Blair Mountain. My grandfather told me the story of how he met with his men from mines at a baseball field before going to Blair Mountain. He famously said, "Boys we will either die on the mountain, or die in another mountain for these coal companies" RIP ol man

[@MountainRoots]

What a family history, and what a powerful, stoic perspective in his words. RIP 🙏

[@Marathon97]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@OopsyHesBackAgain]

Amazing history never taught in schools! Francesco Estep, killed in the Cabin Creek/Paint Creek WV mine wars, was a distant relative to my family. He was killed in Holly Grove tent city.

[@forexed8948]

The Mine Wars may be over, but the battle still goes on between the Unions and the Corporations.

[@dwhitman3092]

FACT!

[@thefnaffan2]

Union Boilermaker here... These people are my heroes.

[@meglange3595]

What the mountains have seen. Man comes and goes, but the mountains remain, carry the scars and bear witness to the past.

[@MountainRoots]

#solidarity 😔

[@kellyusher1]

I am in my early 60s now, but I can still remember family coming to visit us in west tn when I was little. I didn't understand things they said or how they were amazed at what we had or how we were allowed to live. like I said, I was little. but I remember sitting outside our living room door listening to the "grown folk" talking. One has forever stayed in my mind what one uncle said " keep them poor, hungry, and stupid and they believe that they can lead us anywhere they want to" I will never forget his voice and those words. I would ask later growing up about our mt family, how they lived, how they worked, etc, always being told when I get older I will know more. finally, my granny would tell me the stories, about our history and culture. I was shocked and proud at the same time. many things I wrote down like remedies, beliefs, and how to's. my family may have been poor and mistreated from the mountains but they were always proud looking. Loving God and country. and never let anyone tell me how to think, how I can live, or that I must follow. no, I am not a rich person as in money, but by damn I am a rich lady living by what I was taught and how to live and love the land and country. rich in knowing to take no one's word but research it myself before believing or signing anything. Loving God and his directions is the greatest gift or blessing ever bestowed on me. God bless you all and may he take a liking to you

[@SMichaelDeHart]

@MountainRoots As a born and bred Mountaineer, I'm very proud of my West Virginia roots. On my maternal family side, my great grandfather was one of the 7 Baldwin Felts agents shot and killed in the Matewan Massacre. Charles Troy (CT Higgins). On my paternal side, my great grandfather and grandfather were Above Ground Mine formans at Weyanoke Coal and Coke Camp in Mercer County. My dad briefly worked in the mines right before WWII. After he served as a Combat Veteran with the US Army Air Force in the South Pacific Campaign. After returning in late 1945 he had the option to become a Virginia State Trooper or become a Class A Transmission Lineman for Appalachian Power Company in Bluefield. He chose the latter and helped uild all the transmission lines in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. To this day, we (myself & 6 siblings) never figured out how mom and were married 62 years being from opposite sides of the mining issues. But they raised all 7 kids in a Blue Collar Christian home in Princeton and Charleston area ( after transferring). We all worked our way through college's at Bluefield State, West Virginia State and WV Institute of Technology or WVU Tech.

[@mike451]

JOSH OF ALL THE VIDEOS ON APPALACHIA YOURS ARE THE BEST KEEP THEM COMING MY FRIEND

[@MountainRoots]

That's very high praise, thank you kindly!

[@RedoubtProductions1754]

I feel preserving the battlefield of Blair Mountain should be of the utmost of importance for historical preservation entities across the United States. this was a darn good video breaking down the road to the battle.

[@LD-jg3vq]

Deep and insightful. It's hard to hear the painful stories of people fighting for life and freedom. Keep bringing the stories to light that are not being told elsewhere! Love your work!

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you so much for the feedback!!

[@davidsradioroom9678]

I had never heard about this battle in History class. Thanks for sharing!

[@MountainRoots]

It's been kept from the history books for nearly a hundred years, intentionally.

[@davidholden4543]

History class doesnt deviate from the narrative. Want to keep your GPA up? Stick to the narrative as explained by the teacher.

[@artembolyak117]

I like video like this. I live in Ural mountains, Russia. Same places like in my home. I little bit read about coal wars. It's like Zlatoust shooting 1903.

[@MountainRoots]

Fascinating, I'll have to look into that!

[@Kcke-fjof2113]

workers and tradesmen should be considered professionals, respect to these brave men

[@wordgiesworld5483]

I grew up in that region (Fayette County) ‘77-‘85, went to middle and high school there and my dad was a miner. Yet I never heard about this until now. Thanks for getting it out there.

[@MountainRoots]

You're welcome! It's certainly been kept very quiet.

[@whatsupchris]

I was born and raised in Beckley just east of Blair Mountain and I remember the stories my paw would tell me about Blair as he was a coal miner for most of his life before black lung got the best of him. The whole area is rich with history, history that the entire country should learn about. I love what your doing and have been watching you for the past year plus. Please keep the history lessons coming. Much love and respect.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks I really appreciate that, and share your perspective that it's history the entire United States should hear about.

[@hellbilly6532]

Amazing what those in power will do to maintain their power….

[@sueyoung8697]

Josh I love hearing and learning more of our state of wv, thanks I learned alot from this epusode

[@debbiefrye7187]

I'd like to see you produce a full length documentary on the Mine Wars

[@MountainRoots]

Awesome, thanks for the input!

[@Fatboy.25]

Dang Josh, you never cease to amaze me with your videos. Wish I had the resources to help fund your productions but we live on a fixed income. Thanks for all you do to keep me informed about my history as a Hillbilly.

[@MountainRoots]

I just appreciate you watching and sharing!...we're only an introduction away from someone who might want to collaborate or underwrite a project. So, even if a person can't contribute financially, it's the word of mouth spread I covet. Again, thanks so much for taking time to watch & share what I produce!

[@sandydeel-xw4fn]

Heart wrenching to hear these stories but at the same time so needed. So sad to hear how good folks just wanted to work and provide for their families but in order to do so had to come under so much control and even more hardships than what they were already going through. This would surely make a great documentary. Thanks for all you do. Stay safe out there. Great job! Keep them coming.

[@mikereilly7629]

This hits close to home. . my Irish ancestors came to dig the erie canal. When the canal days waned, some of my people worked the railroad going west. The rest ended up in Pennsylvania, working the deep coal seams.this was mid 1800s. They were members of the secret society called the Molly McGuire's, they fought mine owners with fists, clubs and the dynamite that they had to pay for out of the wages. They were so close knit, the Pinkerton Detective Agency infiltrated the society, and 11 brave men were hung in public in 1877.

[@MountainRoots]

Incredible history and stories that NEED to be both told and remembered!

[@F84Thunderjet]

I was District Forester for the West Virginia Forestry Division in the 1960’s and was responsible for the maintenance and manning of 16 fire towers in southern West Virginia, one of which was Blair Mountain. It is long since gone but we maintained the access road, tower and the observers cabin (built in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps). My District Ranger, who was in his sixties, witnessed the battle as a young man. He remembered wagon loads of dead and wounded being hauled from the mountain.

[@MountainRoots]

Incredible! Wow 😳

[@HoosierBearcat25]

Great video! Always enjoy learning about labor history, particularly in Appalachia and the coal industry.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@paulheywood2116]

I’m Australian and Appalachia is so interesting and beautiful hope to visit someday

[@charlesjordan9313]

Well done Sir!!! Great documentary

[@bobstenzhorn6861]

Good start Can’t wait for your expanded treatment on the history

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks!

[@michaelpitcock2834]

Thank you So Much for all You Do. Big Lover of WV and all history and information you bring to the channel.

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Another Great Episode Shared, Much Appreciated This Josh ! Stay Safe, Friend ! ATB T God Bless

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you!!

[@kevinanderson3366]

Being from born and raised in Independence Va these stories hit home. Thank you putting these beautiful videos together and exploring the beauty of this amazing part of the country.

[@MountainRoots]

You're most welcome!

[@sueyoung8697]

I would love to hear more and longer documentary's

[@woodboogerfarm]

Logan is my home town...Love the place and think its a shame how things were and are done there

[@bentleyshull3321]

Man here

[@stephenspears3206]

This battle is little known about in American History. My great grand dad fought in this battle. And I still possess the same pump action rifle he used in the battle, the Marlin Model 27S .25-20 pump action rifle. I have only seen one video done about this battle. My great grand dad was a WW1 veteran and fought for the Mining union who had been moving south in West Virginia to bring the union into Southern West Virginia. And I want to thank you for this fine historical video. My dad was from Logan, WV. And grew up in Rum Creek. He told me about this battle and I then saw the video some years back. And it was just by luck I found it.

[@MountainRoots]

Incredible! I'd love to see some pics of the rifle if you wouldn't mind sharing. Send via email if you are willing: [e-mail]

[@stephenspears3206]

I have to find the rifle. But give me some time.

[@michaeloshea5505]

I live on the other side of the pond and was reading about The Battle of Blair Mountain "I never heard tell of it until now" in Barbara Kingsolver Demon Copperhead. Your youtube video has been very informative, helping me get a wider understanding.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for saying so, glad you appreciate it!

[@maxcoupland2260]

Haha literally the same

[@sleepyt33]

would like to see you do a piece on Charleston, West Virginia great history there. Great videos.

[@truckinpoppop6777]

I’d like to see you do an episode on the coal industry particularly dealing with the history of the railroads in the region. They were a huge part of the Appalachian economy.

[@MountainRoots]

Several of my episodes do that, like the ones I did on Welch, Iaeger, and Thurmond to name a few. I'm all ears for more suggestions though!

[@darcee3350]

​@@MountainRootsWould love to see an episode on Gary, WV!

[@gregdelaney119]

This is a very interesting and poignant episode, and I kept reminding myself that this happened over 100 years ago. My grandfather was a very little boy when this conflict occurred. I hope that it becomes possible for you to create a full-length documentary, Josh, because there are so many lessons to be learned from these historical events. I won't lie - the plight of the miners in West Virginia sounds similar to what I've learned about the history of the Iron Range in Minnesota at about the same time in history. Company housing, script, unsafe working conditions, and miners regarded as implements and not as human beings all echo what I've read. Mine is a Finnish heritage, and at that time people from Finland were appreciated for their hard work and willingness to take on the most dangerous jobs, but their humanity was ignored.

[@MountainRoots]

"They were appreciated for their hard work and willingness...but their humanity was ignored." That hit me square in the chest! 😔

[@gregdelaney119]

@@MountainRoots I have a book about the history of the Finns in Minnesota, quite a lengthy and scholarly work. Within it is the story of a Finnish man who needed to call a neighbor as a witness in a court situation to verify that he, the Finn, was actually a human being. I love the empathy and appreciation you have and show for all people, Josh!

[@Offbeatagent]

I really appreciate what you do.

[@JackF99]

GREAT message in this episode.

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@lasselippert3892]

To the Workers of the World 🍻

[@DavidDowdy877]

I appreciate your videos,believe they are some of the best on your tube..Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights on this region.Looking forward to seeing more.

[@MountainRoots]

I appreciate that feedback very much, thank you!

[@mikeuffman4941]

Happy labor day y'all!!

[@archlich4489]

Thank you, friend.

[@Corker2211]

Again & again, your outstanding video with the great narrative still has a great interest for me. As I stated before, I will most definitely make a drive into West Virginia to see these places for myself. Thank you so much for taking the time & money to make these narrative.

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you kindly! I hope you get the chance to make that drive.

[@Corker2211]

I have enjoyed your video's very much. Thank you for making these video's. I will always be watching!

[@geraldhill7547]

Great Job 👍

[@mikeable1376]

Thanks Great job.

[@gregorycrum1351]

I used to go to that Blair church...I grew up in sharples

[@SpaceDwarf55]

That was fascinating, those miners were brave people. Great video

[@marileedent8499]

I love them hill's

[@arnoldmayberg694]

Cool, very educational!

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you for watching!

[@oddstuff123]

The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.

[@christophergoodman5107]

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS.I JUST LEARNED A LITTLE AMERICAN HISTORY THAT IS NOT TAUGHT IN MY SCHOOLING

[@MountainRoots]

So glad you enjoyed it, really appreciate the comment & thanks for watching!

[@jameshager9073]

I’m from Blair… wish I still lived there.

[@origintrackz5235]

The Martyrmade Podcast did a great episode about the battle at blair mountain it's called whos america! for anyone who is interested...

[@MountainRoots]

Cool, so what'd you think about this episode I produced?

[@origintrackz5235]

@@MountainRoots You did a hell of a job. it was cool to put a picture to what i envisioned when listened to the podcast. looks just like what i had in my head! ill definitely be checking out more of you're content! check that podcast out too you wont be dissapointed(i am not affiliated its just good lol)

[@garretyoung2173]

Some of your best work!!

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you very much!

[@debraspence3559]

Wonderful!

[@Urielthalas]

My maternal grandfather was a miner here when he was a very young man.

[@Nick_CF]

Great video. Currently working on a folk song about Blair Mountain

[@cartersl6282]

A similar event took place at Cliftonville, Brooke County, West Virginia, in July 1922. At least 19 people died including the Brooke County Sheriff.

[@MountainRoots]

Tragically, in various forms, it's a story as old as time oft repeated in various expressions but with similar underlying factors and struggles for power, control, wealth and greed.

[@ImOldLegs]

The only time in our country's history the military dropped bombs from the sky on Americans.

[@missrita1826]

Thank you for this very interesting subject.😊

[@dalegooch4616]

Very interesting and well done as always Josh.

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you for watching, I hope you'll also share it. This episode for some reason has been heavily throttled on social media platforms. It's a history and story that needs to told!

[@anticoomer]

The question you ask at the end about balancing the excesses of socialism and capitalism while honoring the dignity of the human person is perfectly encapsulated by Distributism and Catholic social teaching

[@MountainRoots]

Hmm, any references I can research further on this? TIA!

[@DredPirateRoberts]

I’ll never leave my house without a red bandanna.

[@AlaskaOutdoorsTV]

Love the series!

[@MountainRoots]

So glad to hear that!

[@BiGDeE3]

🏁🏁 another great vid !.. i'm sharing your forum , hope that's ok ..

[@michaelhager2846]

God bless America 🙏

[@walterperry4565]

Good video

[@LifeRestyleByBCampbell]

Well done ❤

[@MountainRoots]

Thank you!

[@achoice2bmade]

Great stuff! When are you heading to Winchester?

[@jaslokchabbaria3434]

Hey, great stuff. I'm interested in taking a tour to learn about the region's coal history. Sometime mid October-November. Is there any organisation that could organise a tour or any already existing programs I could join in?

[@yourfavoritelawnguy2722]

I still see people saying the government stepped in and saved the workers... How stupid people are.

[@leehuff2330]

Sounds almost eerily similar to the Homestead Massacre of 1892, when Pinkerton agents hired by Henry Clay Frick opened fire on striking steel workers at the Carnegie Steel Homestead furnaces.

[@thesilentgeneration]

My great uncle Opie Leonard drowned in that very Tug River long ago.

[@StamperWendy]

And the company stores had goods available at about 5x the cost of products at the other shops 😳

[@kendeel7474]

Greed…underlying factor behind so much of human suffering and death.

[@MountainRoots]

😔🙏

[@willcamp6319]

Try Ocoee Tn

[@hastyhillfarmand4x480]

When the slaves try to stand up for themselves, the ruling class crushes them. Ruby ridge, waco, m.o.v.e., blair mountain. We are all cattle.

[@esidedude2869]

Where did you get your shirt? I want one!

[@MountainRoots]

I had it made 😊

[@marileedent8499]

My family from Wilsondale and Breeden

[@Crow_Potkin]

seems like plenty of anti-capitalism among the workers, as much or more than explicitly pro-capitalism. the mother jones/IWW connection alone. 'they preferred the rule of law to a perversion of it' would love receipts on that. great video aside from that part. keep it up.

[@MountainRoots]

So, you think a quasi industrial police state is no perversion?

[@matthewharmon8765]

The Air Force didn’t begin until 1947.

[@MountainRoots]

Correct, it was technically fighter planes from the U.S. Army Air Service’s 88th Air Squadron that were called in. Thanks for noting this detail. I appreciate you watching!

[@ScotchIrishHoundsman]

How America ever allowed such working constituents is appalling. But look at today. Housing is outrageous. We don’t need to bring wages up, prices need to come down!!

[@MountainRoots]

It is quite a dark chapter, as so many, in our history 😔

[@heatherfulmore3412]

That was worse than the migrant farm living conditions in Florida.

[@chickensandwich8808]

It's interesting. So in regards to cause and effect the more socialist/communist perspective really gained traction because of how extreme greed fed into the disparity.

[@hastyhillfarmand4x480]

10:55 thats a common theme in America

[@MountainRoots]

😔

[@Cookiekeks]

Socialism is the answer in my opinion. Awesome video!

[@MountainRoots]

Thanks for watching...but I'm not sure, historically, that's the path to go either. Avoiding extremes is my POV...

[@edwardweaver6869]

As someone who lives around here; we don’t think that’s the answer. We literally just want to be left alone. I quote one guy from Peter Santenello’s video “We work hard, support our families and won’t let anyone get inbetween that.”

[@Kinbo72steanneNB]

Sad the greed of man

[@Xenoyer]

I was appreciating your very informative video until you mentioned 'extremes of socialism.' I know socialism, and it isn't the post-WWII anti-Soviet propaganda often depicted. That propaganda was designed to manipulate people. Think about it: under capitalism, slavery can thrive. Under socialism, slavery is impossible. The issue is that the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, China, and some other places used the term 'socialism' in their names but never enacted true socialist policies. There were no worker representatives on company boards, only party appointees. That's not socialism. Even Nazi Germany, which had 'socialism' in its party name, engaged in slavery and other heinous acts. Real socialism doesn't involve slavery; it is fundamentally about workers' rights. I'm not blaming you for your view. Many people are under the same misconception. I believed socialism was bad until I educated myself by reading books like *Das Kapital* and attending lectures on Marxism. If you genuinely advocate for the rights of the common worker, I urge you to explore these resources. Socialism simply isn't what you've been led to believe.

[@LesBlackwell]

Lol "the extremes of socialism" 😂

[@zenseed75]

These people must be rolling over in their graves seeing what's become of WVians & the politics.

[@paulridge845]

did Trump bring back the jobs

[@thefrase7884]

A Trump comment. How original. You should ask if Dems brought the jobs back. They’ve been in office 12 out of the last 16 years. Ahh…the mentality

[@marileedent8499]

Store bills ..