AGENCY: National Guard

SERIES: 6306
TITLE: Carbon County coal strike records
DATES: i 1903-1904; 1909.
ARRANGEMENT: Chronological by day. Attachments remain with the date of the cover letter.

DESCRIPTION: These records provide an account of the causes and effects of a strike and the role of the National Guard in maintaining order. A labor conflict between striking coal mine workers and the Utah Fuel Company in Scofield, Winter Quarters, Castle Gate, Sunnyside, and Clear Creek resulted in an atmosphere that threatened to become violent. The sheriff of Carbon County, notified Governor Heber M. Wells that he and other law enforcement agents needed assistance to maintain the peace. In response, Governor Wells issued a proclamation calling out the Guard on November 23, 1903. The papers consist largely of letters, telegrams, and minutes. Much of the correspondence was with Governor Wells. As governor, Wells was also commander-in-chief of the National Guard. Other correspondence is between Adjutant General Charles S. Burton and Brigadier General John Q. Cannon. Less frequent correspondents include other Guard officers, Utah Fuel Company staff and owners, Carbon County officials and citizens, the Italian Counsel, the Coal Mine Inspector, miners, and others.

RETENTION

DISPOSITION

RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION

These records are in Archives' permanent custody.

FORMAT MANAGEMENT

Paper: Retain in State Archives permanently after microfilming.

Microfilm master: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.

Microfilm duplicate: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.

APPRAISAL

Historical

This disposition is based on the significance of labor strikes and the labor movement in early 20th century Utah. The series provides insight into a major event in eastern Utah history where coal mining and the related labor issues are particularly important.

PRIMARY DESIGNATION

Public

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