The Atlas Obscura Podcast Mother Jones and the Battle of Blair Mountain (Classic)
Sep 1, 2025
Dive into the remarkable story of Mother Jones, a powerful figure who, even in her 70s, galvanized labor movements in America. Discover the fierce Battle of Blair Mountain, where miners fought for their rights against exploitation. Experience the treacherous conditions faced by coal miners in early 20th-century West Virginia, and learn how diverse backgrounds united in their struggle. Explore the lasting impact of this labor activism and the importance of preserving its history through museums and storytelling.
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Personal Link To The Coalfields
- Kenzie Newwalker recounts growing up in southern West Virginia with multiple family members who worked in the mines.
- She connects personal family history to her role leading the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum and preserving miners' stories.
Company Town Control Created Union Pressure
- Company towns tightly controlled miners' lives through wages, stores, churches, and schools.
- That control created the conditions that made union organizing both necessary and dangerous.
Mother Jones' Arrival And Influence
- Mother Jones arrived in West Virginia in 1902 to organize miners despite being nearly 60.
- She quickly earned miners' admiration for her fiery leadership and became known as the Miner's Angel.