Coxey's Army departs for Washington, D.C. (1894)

Jacob Coxey organized unemployed workers into a protest march, known as Coxey's Army, departing Massillon, Ohio, on March 25, 1894. The group marched to Washington, D.C., to demand public works jobs. Although the march was ultimately unsuccessful, it is recognized as the first significant popular protest march on Washington, influencing later political activism.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Jacob Coxey, an Ohio businessman, organized unemployed workers into a protest march during the Panic of 1893. The march, termed a "petition in boots," aimed to lobby for government-funded public works jobs. Coxey rejected conventional political organization, choosing direct action to demand immediate congressional satisfaction of workers' needs.

Departure from Massillon. The march originated with 100 men in Massillon, Ohio, on March 25, 1894. The group passed through Pittsburgh, Becks Run, and Homestead, Pennsylvania, in April. Various groups from around the country gathered to join the march, increasing its numbers significantly as it progressed toward Washington, D.C.

Arrival in Washington. The march reached Washington, D.C., on April 30, 1894, with numbers growing to 500. Coxey addressed a crowd of supporters from the steps of the United States Capitol. Although the march was ultimately unsuccessful, it is notable as the first protest march on Washington, D.C.

People involved

Sources

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