Molly Maguires
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Molly Maguires
The Molly Maguires, a secret patriotic organisation whose members dressed as women to fool the authorities
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4325211
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10025785
1843 Authorities Dressed Fool Members Molly Organisation Patriotic Secret
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the enigmatic and secretive world of the Molly Maguires, an Irish organization whose members dressed in women's clothing to evade detection by the authorities during the mid-19th century. Established in 1843, the Molly Maguires were a patriotic society that emerged in response to the harsh living conditions and oppressive treatment of Irish immigrants in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, USA. The group's name is believed to have originated from the Irish term "mollie," meaning "little girl," and "maguire," a common Irish surname. Members wore long, flowing dresses, aprons, and bonnets to blend in with women and attend social events, allowing them to plan and execute acts of rebellion against their oppressors. Despite their noble intentions, the Molly Maguires became notorious for their violent tactics, which included sabotage, intimidation, and even murder. The group's activities reached a fever pitch in the late 1860s and early 1870s, culminating in a series of high-profile trials and executions. This photograph, taken around the turn of the 20th century, offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time when the struggle for workers' rights and Irish independence was a dangerous and clandestine endeavor. The image of these men, dressed as women, is a poignant reminder of the lengths to which people were willing to go to protect their communities and challenge the status quo. The history of the Molly Maguires remains a fascinating and complex chapter in the annals of Irish and American history, one that continues to captivate scholars, historians, and the general public alike.
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