Background
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers was organized on May 8, 1863, in Detroit by engineers on Michigan railroads. Organized
in divisions, the Brotherhood soon attracted engineers from railroads throughout the Midwest and east. Later in the decade
and in the 1870s and 1880s, membership spread to lines in the west. The Brotherhood provided insurance for its members as
well as representation in dealings with management. Engineers participated in serious strikes in 1877 and 1888, the latter
action resulting in serious setbacks for the Brotherhood.
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