EPISODE · Jul 5, 2023 · 17 MIN
Pgh Is a Union Town, and That Goes Way, Wayyy Back
from City Cast Pittsburgh · host City Cast
This week marks the 131st anniversary of the Battle of Homestead. No, it wasn’t part of any war, and technically, it didn’t even happen in Homestead. Just outside the Pump House in what is now the Waterfront, labor leaders walked out for six days to defend their rights while on the job. What followed was a brutal clash with Pinkerton “detectives” that ended with dozens of injuries and the slow collapse of the budding union. People died, and the movement didn’t stick, but the conflict left an indelible mark on union organizers and the company leaders who would stop them. Historian Maura Bainbridge explains the particulars, plus why that legacy still matters today. ***This conversation originally published July 6, 2022. The Battle of Homestead Foundation is commemorating the anniversary tomorrow, July 6 at 6 p.m. at the Pump House in Munhall. No registration or admission necessary — just stop by and enjoy a casual meetup with music and food to discuss and remember the significance of the heroic struggle of workers and townspeople to preserve their dignity, their livelihood and their right to organize. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
What this episode covers
This week marks the 131st anniversary of the Battle of Homestead. No, it wasn’t part of any war, and technically, it didn’t even happen in Homestead. Just outside the Pump House in what is now the Waterfront, labor leaders walked out for six days to defend their rights while on the job. What followed was a brutal clash with Pinkerton “detectives” that ended with dozens of injuries and the slow collapse of the budding union. People died, and the movement didn’t stick, but the conflict left an indelible mark on union organizers and the company leaders who would stop them. Historian Maura Bainbridge explains the particulars, plus why that legacy still matters today. ***This conversation originally published July 6, 2022. The Battle of Homestead Foundation is commemorating the anniversary tomorrow, July 6 at 6 p.m. at the Pump House in Munhall. No registration or admission necessary — just stop by and enjoy a casual meetup with music and food to discuss and remember the significance of the heroic struggle of workers and townspeople to preserve their dignity, their livelihood and their right to organize. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
NOW PLAYING
Pgh Is a Union Town, and That Goes Way, Wayyy Back
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
No similar episodes found.