Lower Lawrenceville in Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Safe Haven Denied at Allegheny Arsenal

Great Railroad Strike of 1877

circa 2007

1. Safe Haven Denied at Allegheny Arsenal Marker

Inscription. In the Great Strike of 1877, a labor dispute between workers and the Pennsylvania Railroad Company set off a popular uprising. Militiamen were called in to put down the strike and clashed with disgruntled citizens. On the second day of the conflict, the Philadelphia militia retreated eastward, pursued by angry Pittsburgh residents.

Fleeing the city, the troops sought refuge at the Allegheny US Arsenal, which once stood at this location. Looking for safe-haven and reinforcements, the troops were instead turned away by the Arsenal's commanding officer, who refused to shelter them from the furious crowd.

Left unaided, the troops retreated across the river to evade Pittsburgh’s wrath. After the troop’s flight, rioting continued for another day before dying down here, while conflict raged on in other cities throughout the country.

Erected 2007 by the Howling Mob Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Labor Unions • Landmarks • Notable Events • Notable Places • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.

Location. 40° 27.895′ N, 79° 57.599′ W. Marker is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Allegheny County. It is in Lower Lawrenceville. Marker

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is on Penn Avenue, 0.1 miles east of 38th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittsburgh PA 15224, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Soldiers and Sailors of the War of 1812 (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Allegheny Arsenal (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Allegheny Arsenal (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stephen C. Foster (approx. 0.2 miles away); Johnny Unitas (approx. ¼ mile away); St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Shannopin Town (approx. 0.4 miles away); Pat the Avenger Returns Fire (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pittsburgh.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Other Great Railroad Strike of 1877 Markers erected by the Howling Mob Society in 2007.

Also see . . . The Howling Mob Society Website. (Submitted on January 4, 2010.)

Additional commentary.
1. Interesting backstory of the Howling Mob Society and its markers.
“The Howling Mob Society (HMS) is a collaboration of artists, activists and historians committed to unearthing stories neglected by mainstream history. HMS brings increased visibility to the radical

the Howling Mob Society, used with permission, circa 2007

2. Safe Haven Denied at Allegheny Arsenal Marker

history of Pittsburgh, PA through grassroots artistic practice. We chose to focus on The Great Railroad Strike of 1877, a national uprising that saw some of its most dramatic moments in Pittsburgh.” From their website.

— Submitted August 2, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.

Additional keywords. Social Justice Struggles

the Howling Mob Society, used with permission, circa 2007

3. Safe Haven Denied at Allegheny Arsenal Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 1, 2010. This page has been viewed 1,639 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on January 5, 2010. Photos: 1. submitted on January 5, 2010. 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2010. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.