MOTHER JONES PRISON

This is the Mother Jones Prison Site in Pratt, WV. Mary Harris Jones was held here during the West Virginia Mine Wars. Mother Jones was arrested after arriving to speak to Governor William E. Glasscock on February 12, 1913. She was arrested under the charges of stealing a machine gun, trying to blow up a train, and conspiracy to commit murder. Mother Jones was sentenced to a 20 year sentence. According to Goldenseal Magazine, Mother Jones was released after 85 days in jail shortly after sending this message to John W. Kern through her underground railway:

"From out of the military prison wall of Pratt, West Virginia, where I have walked over my eighty-fourth milestone in history, I send you the groans and tears and heartaches of men, women, and children as I have heard them in this state. From out these prison walls, I pead with you for the honor of the nation, to push that investigation, and the children yet unborn will rise and call you blessed."