Where We Are Now
Recent Labor Movements
The Battle of Blair Mountain was only the start of major labor uprisings not only in the state but also in the country. In March of 2018, teachers in every single county of West Virginia chose to strike with demands of a 5 percent raise in wages among other things. This strike was so successful that it sparked other strikes in at least 5 other states including Arizona and Oklahoma. Schools in the state were closed for almost two weeks until the state government passed legislation to raise the teachers’ wages. Teachers sported “red for ed” shirts which symbolize many things from the red-zone fiscal state of public schools to the colors of the republican party, but they also seemed to pay homage to their ancestors in the Battle of Blair Mountain who wore red bandanas in solidarity with one another in the UMWA. Teachers have continued to strike in West Virginia when needed and the “red for ed” strikes continue throughout the country, similar to the way labor uprisings spread throughout the country in a ripple effect after the Battle of Blair Mountain.
The Continued Battle of Blair (Part 1)
Though the Battle of Blair Mountain ended 100 years ago, the fight to keep the historic site alive has been a struggle. For a brief period of time, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places until it was later removed in December of 2009. With a huge rise in mountaintop removal in the area, residents of the state were becoming increasingly worried about the battle site being destroyed. Additionally, since coal companies have had a stronghold on the site since the battle ended, little to no preservation work or searching had been able to be completed. The fight to get Blair Mountain back on the National Register of Historic Places continued for almost 10 years.
The Continued Battle of Blair (Part 2)
On June 27 of 2018, Blair Mountain was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This was a huge accomplishment for preservationists and ensures that Blair will not be destroyed and further removed from state history. Without the control of Blair being held by coal companies, historians and preservationists will be able to search the grounds for historic artifacts and make sure that West Virginians can visit this historic site for years to come.