The American Railway Union

The American Railway Union (ARU) was formed to protect the right of railway workers during the Labor Movement in the 1880's. Unlike many labor groups before this, who focused on long term and idealistic ideas, the ARU tried to make small improvements for the railroad workers. An example of a way that the ARU helped the workers was during the Pullman Boycott. The ARU asked its union members to help the workers under the employment of George M. Pullman by boycotting the Pullman Luxury Cars. Even thought this strike was not effective in helping the Pullman workers, this union was a great source of economic power for the railway workers as they fought for higher rights and benefits from their employers.
--Devon MacWilliam, student at Noble and Greenough
--history teacher: Don Allard
--sources: America's History from Worth Publishers

graphics of American Railways

• Newcastle Railway Cab
• A Historical Buggy
• Historic photo

related web sites for the ARU and the American Railways

1. The National Railway Historical Society Historical information about the Nations Railroads
2. The Amtrack Historical society
3. the Illinois railway MuseumAmerica's Largest Railway museum