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Everett massacre

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The Everett Massacre (a.k.a. Bloody Sunday) was an armed confrontation between local authorities and members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) union, also known as "Wobblies", which took place in Everett, Washington on Sunday, November 5 1916. The tragic 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 local citizens 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 Donald McRae, 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 several minutes of chaotic shooting on both sides. 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 citizen deputies lay dead with 20 others wounded including the sheriff. The IWW officially listed 5 dead with 27 wounded, although it is speculated that as many as 12 IWW members may have been killed. As a result of the shootings, a company of naval militia were sent to Everett and Seattle to help maintain order.

Aftermath

Upon returning to Seattle, 74 Wobblies were arrested as a direct result of the "Everett Massacre" including IWW leader Thomas H. Tracy. They were taken to the Snohomish County jail in Everett and charged with murder of the 2 deputies. After a two-month trial, Tracy was acquitted by a jury on May 5, 1917. Shortly thereafter, all charges were dropped against the remaining 73 defendants and they were released from jail.

  • 90th anniversary of the "Everett Massacre" Indymedia, accessed December 18, 2006- In commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the "Everett Massacre," high school students who are fighting for Free Speech in their school newspapers, sponsored a standing-room only event which linked their current day struggle with the legacy of their town.
  • The Everett Massacre Everett Public Library, accessed November 14, 2006
  • Everett Massacre of 1916 University of St. Francis, accessed August 1, 2005
  • Everett Massacre Collection University of Washington Libraries Digital Collections, accessed July 12, 2006 - 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.
  • Essay on the Everett Massacre HistoryLink.org - The Online Encylopedia of Washington State History, accessed August 25, 2006
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