Today in labor history Feb 26 118 died, 5,000 were left homeless

[Omaha Steve]

February 26


February 26, 1802 - Novelist Victor Hugo was born. "An invasion of armies can be resisted," he said, "but not an idea whose time has come."

Bethlehem Steel workers strike for union recognition, Bethlehem, Penn. - 1941

A coal slag heap doubling as a dam in West Virginia’s Buffalo Creek Valley collapsed, flooding the 17-mile long valley. 118 died, 5,000 were left homeless. The Pittston Coal Co. said it was “an Act of God.” - 1972