Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Collection

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers is the oldest labor union in the United States, and was founded on May 8, 1863 in Marshall, Michigan. Although the organization was originally called the Brotherhood of the Footboard, the union changed its name to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers in 1864. They established a lodge in Dodge City in 1884, which met weekly in Odd Fellows’ Hall. This division also met in Nickerson and Newton, Kansas during the period of 1888-1906. In 1907, the union pushed for the elimination of the 24-hour workday, which was accomplished through the Hours of Service Act. The Union also helped push for the signing of the Adamson Act in 1916, which provided for the eight-hour workday. Many of the labor union’s efforts over time have also focused on improving the safety of locomotives and railway workplaces. In 2004, The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers merged with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and was renamed The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.