HERRIN

city, Williamson county, southern Illinois, U.S., situated near Carbondale. Settled in 1818, the city remained a coal-mining centre until after World War II. Herrin was the scene of a tragic labour dispute in 1922 known as the Herrin Massacre. The nation's coal fields were closed by strikes and lockouts, and when a mining company attempted to operate a strip mine with nonunion labour, several hundred striking union miners on June 22 forced the nonunion workers to surrender and promised them safe conduct. After being marched to a point near Herrin, the captives were ordered to run for their lives under fire; more than 20 were killed, and others were wounded. A grand jury returned 214 indictments for murder and other offenses. No one was convicted. The city of Herrin now produces washing machines, neon signs, upholstery, clothing, and staple machines. Nearby Crab Orchard Lake has recreational facilities. Inc. 1900. Pop. (1992 est.) 11,046.