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The 1903 American Soldier Strike Over Eating Hash and “Horse Balls”
More than a century ago, over 100 U.S. soldiers vigorously protested over an unvaried and unpleasant diet
Gradually over time the American military has realized that regularly giving its soldiers good, appealing food is key. Unfortunately, before that was a commonly accepted practice, those in uniform were at the mercy of whatever was placed before them in the mess hall — often with great disappointment. This was punctuated by a strike of more than 100 soldiers at a United States outpost more than a century ago after they grew weary of eating the same thing day after day- hash and horse balls.
As reported by the Chicago Tribune, 110 soldiers stationed at Fort Sheridan in Illinois were arrested on January 2, 1903 after conducting an open strike in protest of their food rations. During that evening’s dinner, disdain over a lack of variety in meals finally spilled over in major fashion.
The Twenty-First battery of artillery had long been unhappy over the food being served in the mess hall. It was alleged that they were served hash (a fried combination of meat and potatoes) five days a week for each meal. When they complained too vigorously, there would be an occasional reprieve, but only with the same dish —…
