Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast
Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast
Alycia Asai
The (Almost) Noble Order: The Knights of Labor
18 minutes Posted Jun 6, 2026 at 9:00 am.
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Show notes
The largest and most influential union of the nineteenth century, the Knights of Labor began as a secret fraternal organization in Philadelphia in 1869. Responding to the ongoing labor unrest with events like the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, the Knights enjoyed a brief but significant moment of influence and power, but were ultimately unable to live up to its altruistic claims. Tune in this week as I dive into the rise - and fall - of the Knights of Labor. Support the show