In July 1887, American labor leader John T Wilson at age 26 founded the organization at Demopolis, Alabama.

[2][3] He was also the Grand Lodge President of the organization for 19 years before dying after being shot in the head by his brother.

[citation needed] Wilson met with other section foreman to discuss mutual problems of low wages, the hazards of their work, and the insecurity of their families.

[4] Once an international union with over 350,000 members in the United States and Canada, automation, the rise of the trucking and airline industries, coupled with railroad mergers have depleted the ranks of the BMWED to under 40,000 members.

In April 2024, the BMWE announced its support to fire Norfolk Southern Railway CEO Alan Shaw, who was targeted for removal in an investor-led effort to replace the company's management and several of its directors.