Clifton-Morenci Mining District during the 1903 strike

Datec. 1903

MediumPaper

Dimensions3 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (9.5 x 6.4 cm)

ClassificationsAdornment

Catalog number1999.28.227

DescriptionPanoramic view of the Clifton-Morenci Mining District during the strike in 1903. A number of prominent, well-known buildings appear in the photo, including the Morenci Hotel in the center (Southwestern/Spanish revival architecture) and the Detroit Copper Mining Company's store at the right center (very large, masonry structrure with numerous windows). The large Southwestern/Spanish revival-style building at left is known as the Morenci Club. Much of the photo is focused on the area of the railyard and railroad junction below the buildings identified above. Large piles of lumber and other building materials are stacked inside the area of the railroad junction. Numerous buildings visible and the area of the mining district is very rugged and mountainous.

There is a lot of activity in the photo. Most of the activity appears to relate to the presence of National Guard troops called to Clifton-Morenci due to the strike. Large tents are visible to the right below the Detroit Mine store (most are conical-shaped tents which are a long-used style that the U.S. Army refered to as the "Sibley Tent"). An encampment of smaller tents appear to the left near the Morenci Club building. Most of these are smaller two-man size tents that are made from placing two canvas shelter-halfs together (each soldier carries one shelter-half with his pack). Many guardsmen are present as can be seen by their uniforms, many of which are khaki (some men have removed their khaki jackets and so their blue flannel shirts are visible). There also appear to be numerous non-uniformed civilians in the photo engaged in various activities.

Status

Not on view