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Today in History: Governor Waite mobilizes militia to support miners

6/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On June 6, 1894, Colorado Governor Davis Hanson Waite ordered the state militia to support striking miners in Cripple Creek. This unprecedented action marked the only instance in U.S. history where a state militia was deployed to protect workers during a labor strike. The five-month Cripple Creek miners' strike ultimately resulted in a union victory.

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Story summary

On June 6, 1894, Colorado Governor Davis Hanson Waite ordered the state militia to support striking miners in Cripple Creek. This unprecedented action marked the only instance in U.S. history where a state militia was deployed to protect workers during a labor strike. The five-month Cripple Creek miners' strike ultimately resulted in a union victory.