| Everett Massacre |
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| everett, washington | |
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| 1916 in the united states | |
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The Everett massacre was an armed confrontation between sheriff deputies, Vigilante s and Industrial Workers Of The World (IWW) Union members, which took place in Everett, Washington on Sunday, November 5 1916 . The unfortunate event marked a time of rising tensions in Pacific Northwest labor history. 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
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