On this day, December 30, 1905, former Idaho governor Frank Steunenberg opened his garden gate. An explosion shattered the calm and mortally wounded Steunenberg. Steunenberg was targeted for his role in suppressing the violent 1899 miners’ strike in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho.
The Steunenberg assassination led to a no-holds-barred trial pitting William Borah for the prosecution against Clarence Darrow for the defense. Ultimately, Darrow triumphed and the union leaders responsible for soliciting the crime escaped justice. See ÆtherCzar’s review of Big Trouble: The Steunenberg Assassination.
Also, an excellent source of information should you wish to learn more is John T. Richards, Jr.’s “Idaho Meanderings” blog. Richards, a great grandson of Frank Steunenberg, maintains this blog devoted to the history surrounding his great grandfather’s assassination, early Idaho history, and related topics.
2 thoughts on “Remembering Steunenberg”
Thank you Hans, for remembering my great-grandfather and for your kinds words regarding my blog. I have posted a link to this page on my December 30th blog entry entitled: December 30, 1905 as described by James Hawley at the trial of William Haywood.
Regards, John
You are certainly welcome. Thanks for your interesting and informative blog.
Best! Hans