This nationwide strike crippled much of the railroad industry in 1894, but was eventually ended by the Federal government.

It all began on May 14 in Martinsburg, West Virginia in 1877 after Ohio and Baltimore cut wages of their employees for the third time. In this occasion the strike lasted 45 days when put down by a local, state militia and federal troops. Across the United States of America about 100 people were killed in the unrest. Workers in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and other cities burned down train stations facilities, engines, stock and property.