Program at Union Miners Cemetery

This year is the 125th anniversary of the gun battle that took place on Oct. 12, 1898, in Virden, between union mine workers and guards representing the Chicago/Virden Mine Company. That conflict sparked the effort for workers to obtain the 8-hour workday and contributes to this county’s rich history.

Mt. Olive-based, self-appointed UMWA organizer, “General” Alexander Bradley, who was present during the battle, became the most successful UMWA organizer in history.

The legendary Irish firebrand Mother Jones was known as the miner's angel for her campaign work for the United Mine Workers Union....