Haywood’s Notorious Acquittal: Socialists Erupt in Jubilation

On July 28, 1907, at the Boise trial, a historic verdict shook the nation. After an all-night session, the jury in the Haywood case finally reached a decision: Not guilty. The news sent shockwaves through the community, with socialists erupting in jubilation. The first ballot, taken at noon on Saturday, was a closely contested 8-4 in favor of acquittal, with some jurors voting for conviction in a lesser degree of murder. But as the hours ticked by, the minority was slowly won over, one by one.