Twelve railwaymen in Michigan form the Brotherhood of the Footboard, first permanent engineers' union

Following a bitter labor dispute with the Michigan Central Railroad the previous month, engine drivers decided to form a permanent trade union.  After several preliminary meetings, twelve railwaymen, led by W. D. Robinson, met in a hired room in Detroit, Michigan to form the Brotherhood of the Footboard.  The new union changed its name in 1864 to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.  It is now part of the Teamsters.  (By John Osborne)