105 years ago today, in the rugged mountains of Logan County, West Virginia, coal miners confront a militia armed by the mining company from whom they are seeking living wages, economic liberty, and union recognition. Shoot outs have been breaking out for over a year. Martial law has been declared and hundreds of miners jailed for minor infractions.

Miners travel on commandeered trains to free those in jail. At Blair Mountain, they are fired upon by militia using Gatling guns set up on high ground. A million rounds are fired by both sides over five days. The militia hires planes to drop bombs on the miners. Over 100 people — mostly workers — are killed. The Army arrives and disarms the miners, 985 of whom are indicted for murder and treason. Most will be acquitted by sympathetic juries.