University of Nebraska
U. Of Nebraska: Railroads and the Making of Modern America: 1877 Railroad Strike
Primary source materials related to the Great Railway Strike of 1877. Includes newspaper accounts, a map, the diary of President Hayes, and various images.
Virginia Tech
Digital History Reader: Industrialization's Discontents: Great Strike of 1877
With its beginnings along the railroad tracks in Maryland and West Virginia, the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was the first national strike in response to poor wages and poor conditions. Understand the impact of this strike on the...
Other
Maryland State Archives: The Strike of 1877
The Strike of 1877, also known as 'The Great Strike,' took place on railroads across the nation. The strike was the result of continued wage cuts of the laborers such as engineers and trainmen, while many of the companies continued to...
Other
Nysed: The Great Railroad Strike of 1877
This very complete lesson plan from the New York State Library uses newspaper accounts to give a "you are there" feeling to the discussion of the Railroad Strike of 1877. Included are a history of the strike, student activities,...
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: The Strikes of 1877
From a lengthy essay on the history of the railroad in the United States. This section describes the widespread strikes by railroad workers in 1877.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: The Workingmen's Party
From a lengthy essay on the history of the railroad in the United States. This section describes the emergence of the Workingmen's Party as a political force in St. Louis, its role in the railroad strikes of 1877, and how it may have...
University of Illinois
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign: Eslarp's Social History Project: 1877 Rr Strike
A discussion of the railroad strike of 1877 as it affected particularly Illinois. Read about how the strikes were put down violently and who was blamed for the work stoppages.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Expore Pa History: Railroad Strike of 1877 Historical Marker
Read about the Railroad Strike of 1877 that started in Pennsylvania and spread across the Midwest. Find out about the violence against the strikers and the use of the military to end the strike.
Other
Ue News Feature: The Great Strike of 1877 Remembering a Worker Rebellion
Read about how the Railroad Strike of 1877 was a first in many ways in labor history. This article sets up the reasons for the strike and the mixed results.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Railroad Strike of 1877
This article from the Encyclopedia of Chicago explains how a strike by railroad workers in West Virginia eventually made its way to Chicago and was taken up by workers from many industries. See how city officials resolved this general...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Great Upheaval
What started as a localized railway strike by workers upset by a pay cut spread across the country in the summer of 1877. Read about the striking workers and the force used against them, how the strike affected rail service, and what the...
A&E Television
History.com: How a Deadly Railroad Strike Led to the Labor Day Holiday
The history behind the Labor Day holiday is far more complex and dramatic than most might realize, starting with a heated campaign by workers in the late 19th century to win support and recognition for their contributions. In July 1894,...
A&E Television
History.com: How a Deadly Railroad Strike Led to the Labor Day Holiday
When the federal government was called in to suppress a railroad workers' strike, dozens were killed and politicians sought a way to show they still supported workers. July 1894, President Grover Cleveland finally signed into law...
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Labor in the Gilded Age
The Gilded Age was a period of terrible labor violence, as industrialists and workers fought for control of the workplace. Workers organized the first large American labor unions during the Gilded Age, while employers tried to stop the...
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Great Railroad Strike of 1877
Read how the Great Railroad Strike started and why federal troops were called in to control the strikers.
Other
The Baltimore Railroad Strike & Riot of 1877
This website provides links to documents within the "Archives of Maryland Series: Documents for the Classroom." Each link leads to primary and secondary resources and resource material on the 1877 railroad strike, as it unfolded in...
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania Labor Legacy: Great Railroad Stike of 1877
See a list of the pictures of places burned in the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and view pictures taken at that time.