At the turn of the century suffering and oppressed laborers took a stand fighting for their rights and for labor unions, as a consequence the nation saw an eruption of workers going on strike.  The presence of a revolution found itself in Ludlow, Colorado which led to the horrific incident that took place on April 20th, 1914.  After a day long incursion involving the Colorado National Guard and the tent colony of coal minors and their families, the sun would set with innocent lives lost including women and children.  The incident left the Steelwork laborers and management heavily at odds and Rockefeller bearing the brunt of the blame.  With Prohibition on the rise in America,along with Rockefeller reeling from the after math of the Ludlow tragedy which burdened his conscience, damaged his public image, and potentially jeopardizing his steel empire; he utilized his wealth and influence to construct a Steelworks YMCA to improve company morale, community, and camaraderie.  Focusing on wholesome family oriented activities for CF&I workers and their families, showed that Rockefeller had compassion and supported his employees.  The YMCA was a great contribution to not only the laborers but to the Pueblo community as a whole.

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