Lafayette in Boulder County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Colorado's Northern Coal Field

Lest We Forget

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 30, 2018

1. Colorado's Northern Coal Field Marker

Inscription. Colorado's immense northern coal field, centered beneath these rolling hills, contributed to the early development and growth of Colorado and to the birth of nearby towns. Miners and mine owners in this area battled over issues of workers' conditions, wages and rights through many conflicts over the years. In 1927 tensions mounted for weeks as pickets urged the Columbine Mine workers to join the statewide strike called by the Industrial Workers of the World. On November 21 several hundred unarmed men and women gathered at the mine 1-1/2 miles northwest of here. After a confrontation with state police, gunfire erupted, killing six union miners and wounding many others. Following this tragedy, mine owners finally signed lasting union contracts with the United Mine Workers of America. The sacrifices of these miners and their families manifested the struggle for the rights and dignity of all Colorado coal miners.

Erected 1989 by the Colorado Historical Society, Local Historical Societies, Labor Organizations, and the Colorado Department of Highways.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Labor

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Unions • Natural Resources • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is November 21, 1927.

Location. 39° 59.877′ N, 105° 5.376′ W. Marker is in Lafayette, Colorado, in Boulder County. It is on South Harrison Avenue south of East Simpson Street, on the right when traveling south. Located behind the Miner's Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 East Simpson Street, Lafayette CO 80026, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Colorado’s Front Range.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Miner's Museum (a few steps from this marker); Joe Rodwick House (within shouting distance of this marker); City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Padfield House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Bermont House (about 300 feet away); Peltier House (about 300 feet away);

Colorado's Northern Coal Field Marker behind the Miner's Museum. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, June 30, 2018

2. Colorado's Northern Coal Field Marker behind the Miner's Museum.

Kettle Dry Goods Store (about 300 feet away); Mary Miller Historical Mural (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lafayette.

Also see . . . Wikipedia article on the Columbine Mine. (Submitted on July 14, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 725 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 14, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.