Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad shops, looking northwest, Harrison, about 1915.
Mrs. F.L. Coffman/Boone County Library Collection (S-87-129-47)

The Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad had a troubled existence. By 1921 financial problems led to a major wage cut.  Union workers went on strike and the line closed down, causing hardship for many families and businesses. Although a group of investors bought the railroad and resumed operations, the workers remained on strike.

Tensions increased in Harrison as strike-breakers crossed the picket line and vandalism occurred. On January 14, 1923, hundreds of armed men arrived by train and car. They searched homes for union literature and firearms, threatened strikers, and burned the Union Hall. The violence grew. Before it was over one man was hanged from a railroad bridge. Fearing for their lives, strikers and their families fled. The union was busted.