The Massacre at Ludlow

A Colorado incident resulted in big changes in the mining industry.

The Ludlow Massacre was one of the turning points in the various mining wars. This incident, on April 20, 1914, involved a tent camp of miners and Colorado national guardsmen and employees of the Central Fuel and Iron Company. Most of the tent city was destroyed in the raid. At least 20 of the residents died—mostly women and children who sought protection in underground shelters and were asphyxiated. Various investigations put the blame on the mine owners/militia. The result: increased safety at mines, child labor laws, and ultimately an eight-hour workday.