A black and white photo postcard that shows the crowd in City Park for Loyalty Sunday, April 8, 1917. The Miner's Hotel and the Pythian Castle can be seen in the background. The postcard is unused, and the publisher is unknown. Charles Pickerell Collection.

During World War One, American citizens in the beginning wanted to remain neutral in the conflict. The destruction in Belgium, abuse of Belgian subjects, and the German’s sinking of the Lusitania turned Americans against Germany. President Woodrow Wilson asked Congress on April 2nd for a declaration of war. On April 4th the US Senate voted 82 to 6 in favor and the following day, Arizona Governor Thomas E. Campbell declared that Sunday April 8th would be Loyalty Day. The following announcement was printed in newspapers across Arizona: “…calling upon the people of Arizona to fittingly acknowledge in public manner their sentiments…The President, in his wisdom and with the concurrence of Congress, has declared that a state of war exists between the United States and the Empire of Germany…It is desirable and fitting that the citizens of the State of Arizona acknowledge, in a public manner, their allegiance and fealty to the Union and re-consecrate themselves, their families, their possessions and, if need be, their lives at the altar of their Country…urgently recommend that, on the day thus set apart, all citizens of Arizona do assemble at their respective places of worship and solemnly offer unto Almighty God, these pledges of Loyalty to their Country, and or the benefit of our common welfare as a Nation ” In Bisbee, Loyalty Sunday was an event staged by the Workman’s Loyalty League to prove their commitment to not only to the United States, but also to the copper mining companies. Bisbee citizens paraded down Tombstone Canyon; a massive American flag was carried by a dozen men as a symbol of their patriotism and a marching band provided music to attendees. Three months later, many members joined the scheme planned by Sherriff Harry Wheeler and Phelps Dodge executives to forcibly remove 1,300 striking miners from Bisbee in the Deportation.

1977.25.37