Everett Massacre
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Contents
Unfortunate circumstances
On the day of the massacre, about 300 members of the IWW boarded the steamers Verona and Calista from Seattle and headed north to Everett to attend a rally. The violence which erupted once the ships arrived in Everett was a result of a misunderstanding between the vigilantes and the demonstrators. A day before the union members were to arrive, police in Everett had been informed incorrectly that a large group of armed anarchists were making their way to the city.Shootout
Over 200 citizen deputies, under the authority of Snohomish County Sheriff, met in order to repel the "anarchists". As the IWW Union boats made ready to dock the sheriff informed them that they would not be allowed to land. In the resulting tension, a single shot was fired, followed by minutes of chaotic shooting. Whether the first shot came from boat or dock was never determined. Passengers aboard the Verona rushed to the opposite side of the ship, nearly capsizing the vessel. Bullets pierced the pilot house, and the Verona's captain struggled to back it out of port. The Calista returned to Seattle, without trying to land.Death Toll
At the end of the mayhem, 2 deputies lay dead with 20 others injured. The IWW officially lost 5, with 27 being injured, although it is speculated that as many as a dozen Union members may have been killed.Aftermath
Some Union members were arrested as a direct result of the "Everett Massacre". The IWW vowed to return, in greater number, to show solidarity for their cause.References and external links
- The original version of this article was adapted from [Everett Public Library] text.
- [University of St. Francis website recount]
- [University of Washington Libraries Digital Collections – Everett Massacre Collection] This collection, documenting labor's perspective of the 1916 Everett Massacre and its aftermath, draws material from the Seattle Union Record, the writings of Anna Louise Strong, and includes pamphlets, fliers, hand- and typewritten works, postcards and a photograph.
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