{"product_id":"crosses-of-iron-the-tragic-story-of-dawson-new-mexico-and-its-twin-mining-disasters-9780826365286","title":"Crosses of Iron: The Tragic Story of Dawson, New Mexico, and Its Twin Mining Disasters","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eIn October 1913, a massive explosion ripped through a mine operated by Phelps, Dodge \u0026amp; Company in Dawson, New Mexico, killing 261 miners and two rescuers. Ten years later, a second blast claimed the lives of another 120 miners, leaving Dawson a deserted ghost town. The two explosions resulted in the highest death toll in American mine disasters, with a total of nearly four hundred miners killed. Veteran journalist Nick Pappas recounts the tragic story of what was once New Mexico's largest and most modern company town and how the resilient residents coped with two devastating catastrophes to commemorate the centennial of the second disaster. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 240 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 31 October 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: University of New Mexico Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn October 1913, a devastating explosion occurred at a mine operated by Phelps, Dodge \u0026amp; Company in Dawson, New Mexico. Tragically, the explosion claimed the lives of 261 miners, along with two rescuers. A decade later, another blast struck the mine, resulting in the loss of another 120 miners. As a result, Dawson became a deserted ghost town, with only a sea of white iron crosses serving as a haunting memorial to the nearly four hundred miners who lost their lives in the two explosions. This tragic event stands as the deadliest mine disaster in American history, surpassing the records of any other town.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo commemorate the centennial of the second disaster, veteran journalist Nick Pappas has written a compelling account of what was once New Mexico's largest and most modern company town. The book delves into the lives of the resilient residents of Dawson as they faced two devastating catastrophes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe mine was a hub of activity, employing hundreds of workers from surrounding communities. It was known for its modern facilities and safety measures, which made it a model for other mining operations. However, on October 6, 1913, disaster struck. A massive explosion ripped through the mine, causing widespread destruction and chaos.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first explosion was so powerful that it shook the nearby town of Raton, and it could be heard for miles around. It left a massive crater in the ground, and the debris from the explosion was scattered for miles. The rescue efforts were immediately underway, but the conditions were treacherous, and the death toll continued to rise.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the aftermath of the first explosion, the community of Dawson came together to support each other. The mine owners provided assistance to the families of the victims, and local organizations and volunteers pitched in to help with the cleanup and recovery efforts. However, the scars of the disaster were deep, and the community was never the same again.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTen years later, another blast struck the mine. This time, the explosion was even more devastating, and it claimed the lives of another 120 miners. The community was once again plunged into mourning, and the pain and loss felt by the residents were unimaginable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe second explosion also had a lasting impact on the community. The mine owners were unable to continue operating the mine, and the town was left in economic decline. Many of the residents left Dawson, seeking work elsewhere, and the town's infrastructure began to deteriorate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite the hardships, the residents of Dawson remained strong and determined. They continued to support each other, and they worked tirelessly to rebuild their community. They formed a mining union, which fought for better working conditions and safer mines. They also organized a memorial service to honor the memory of the victims of the two explosions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday, Dawson is a deserted ghost town. The sea of white iron crosses that once stood as a haunting memorial to the nearly four hundred miners who lost their lives in the two explosions now stand as a symbol of the community's resilience and strength. The legacy of the two explosions continues to be felt in the community, and the residents of Dawson are proud of their history and their determination to overcome adversity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the two explosions that struck the Phelps, Dodge \u0026amp; Company mine in Dawson, New Mexico, in October 1913 and 1923 were devastating tragedies that claimed the lives of nearly four hundred miners. The community of Dawson was left in ruins, and the scars of the disasters continue to be felt today. However, the residents of Dawson remained strong and determined, and they worked tirelessly to rebuild their community. The legacy of the two explosions serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in the mining industry and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 400g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 152 x 227 x 19 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780826365286\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick Pappas,Richard Melzer","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44734945263866,"sku":"9780826365286","price":17.37,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1699032692448_book.jpg?v=1699192733","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/crosses-of-iron-the-tragic-story-of-dawson-new-mexico-and-its-twin-mining-disasters-9780826365286","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}