Militia 2

THE LUDLOW MASSACRE

Prelude to the Massacre: Militia 2

By calling out the national Guard, the financial burden the conflict was creating shifted from the mine operators to the state. However, the financial straits of the state were dire, and the neutrality of the militia quickly became compromised. It soon degenerated into little more than a strike-breaking force. As the cost of supporting a force of 695 men and 397 officers in the field bankrupted the state, all but two of the militia companies were withdrawn after six months. The militia companies that remained were primarily made up of mine guards, previously enlisted by General Chase.

Militia at Ludlow station.

Militia in front of Ludlow saloon.

Militia in front of Ludlow saloon (detail).

Militiaman.

Militia and private detectives or mine guards at Ludlow.

Detail.

Militia and private detectives or mine guards at Ludlow.

Barbed wire dumped in the Ludlow tent colony well by the militia.