On this day, May 11, in 1880, seven people were killed in a land dispute between settlers and the Southern Pacific Railroad in an incident known as the Mussel Slough Tragedy.
Farmers and ranchers in California’s San Joaquin Valley could not agree to sales terms with the rail company. Dislodging them would require nearly 1,000 soldiers.
During an anti-railroad picnic, settlers learned that homesteaders were being evicted by the U.S. marshals. A group of about 20 settlers rushed to confront the authorities. In the ensuing shootout, two members of the marshals group and five settlers were killed.
Five men were found guilty of interfering with a marshal and sentenced to eight months behind bars. When they were released, the so-called Mussel Slough Five were greeted by a crowd of 3,000 people.
– Scott McCabe
