One of the first projects on the Pacific Railroad was the construction of the first tunnels west of the Mississippi River — the Barretts Tunnels — one of which is currently located on the Museum of Transportation's grounds, about 13 miles west of the city of St. Louis.

Working conditions on the tunnels were difficult and dangerous. Living conditions were not much better. The men built their own "shanty" homes that were flimsy enough to move as they progressed in construction. The limited Irish workforce that labored on the tunnels was further compromised when cholera — a disease induced by unsanitary conditions — especially polluted drinking water — spread through camps. Management operated under the mistaken idea that cholera could be prevented by alcoholic beverages. Therefore, the Pacific kept the men supplied with "whisky, brandy and beer." The men were not saved from cholera, but were more susceptible to drunken disorderly behavior.

Misery and intoxication most likely played a role in the riot that occurred in December 1852 and early January 1853. According to newspaper accounts, workers on two different sections of the tunnels had begun warring against one another. In the process, two men were killed instantly and many others injured by the gunfire. The "riot" was in retaliation for the beating of a single laborer. The exact reason why he was beaten is unknown.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  

Civil War Destruction
The Pacific Railroad Controversy
#2804
The Gasconade Bridge Disaster
Ground-breaking!
The Pacific Railroad of Missouri: Audacious Dreams & Harsh Realities
The Missouri Pacific Today...
Jay Gould and the Missouri Pacific
#750
#30

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.