Knights Of Labor Collection

First annual picnic of the "Knights of Labor"- more fun for the spectators
1078691 First annual picnic of the " Knights of Labor" - more fun for the spectators than for the performers, 1882 (colour litho) by Keppler

Terence V. Powderly
Labor organizer Terence V. Powderly, 1880s. Digitally colored woodcut of a 19th-century portrait

TERENCE VINCENT POWDERLY (1849-1924). American labor leader. Drawing, 1918, by Art Young (1866-1943)

JOHN MITCHELL (1870-1919). American labor leader

KNIGHTS OF LABOR, 1886. Leaders of the Knights of Labor (Terence V. Powderly, center; Samuel Gompers, third from bottom left). American lithograph, 1886

KNIGHTS OF LABOR, 1886. Founders of the Knights of Labor. Lithograph, 1886

American cartoon, 1886, by Joseph Keppler, showing Terence V. Powderly giving the back of his hand to a scab
KNIGHTS OF LABOR: CARTOON. American cartoon, 1886, by Joseph Keppler, showing Terence V. Powderly giving the back of his hand to a scab and to an employer

RAILROAD STRIKE, 1886. Firing at striking workers in East St. Louis during the Great Southwest Railroad Strike of March 1886 against railroads owned by Jay Gould

TERENCE VINCENT POWDERLY (1849-1924). American labor leader. Wood engraving, 1886

LABOR DAY PARADE, 1882. The first Labor Day Parade, held in Union Square, New York City, by the Knights of Labor on 5 September 1882. Wood engraving from a contemporary American newspaper

KNIGHTS OF LABOR, 1886. Machinist Frank J. Farrell, black delegate of District Assembly no. 49, introducing General Master Workman Terence V

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The Knights of Labor, led by Terence V. Powderly, were a prominent American labor organization in the late 19th century. Known for their inclusive approach, they held their first annual picnic which proved to be more fun for spectators. Powderly was a respected labor leader and his influence is evident in various drawings and cartoons from that era. One such cartoon depicts Terence Vincent Powderly himself, highlighting his significance as an American labor leader. Another drawing showcases John Mitchell, another influential figure within the Knights of Labor. It had a strong presence during this time period as seen in lithographs showcasing both its leaders and founders. Joseph Keppler's cartoon captures the essence of the organization with Powderly defiantly standing against scabs and employers alike. However, not all moments were celebratory for the Knights of Labor. The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of March 1886 resulted in violence towards striking workers, depicted in a line engraving by Thure de Thulstrup. Despite these challenges, the Knights of Labor continued to fight for workers' rights. Their efforts culminated in organizing the first-ever Labor Day Parade held on September 5th, 1882 at Union Square in New York City.