Carbon Works in Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

REMOVED

SEE LOCATION SECTION

Ford Hunger March

Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 8, 2021

1. Ford Hunger March Marker

Image of the marker at its new location.

Inscription. On March 7, 1932, in the midst of the Depression, unemployed autoworkers. their families and union organizers braved bitter cold temperatures and gathered at this bridge, intent on marching to the Ford Rouge Plant and presenting a list of demands to Henry Ford. Some three thousand "hunger marchers" paraded down Miller Road. At the city limit Dearborn police blocked their path and hurled tear gas; the marchers responded with rocks and frozen mud. Near Gate No. 3 the demonstrators were bombarded by water from firehoses and a barrage of bullets. In the end, five marchers were killed, nineteen wounded by gunfire and numerous others by stones, bricks and clubs. Newspapers alleged the marchers were communists, but they were in fact people of all political, racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Erected 1992 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number S635.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 7, 1932.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 42° 17.484′ N, 83° 8.551′

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W. Marker was in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It was in Carbon Works. Marker could be reached from West Fort Street (State Highway 85) east of Denmark Street/Oakwood Boulevard/South Fort Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 10520 West Fort Street, Detroit MI 48209, United States of America.

We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named The Ford Hunger March (within shouting distance of this marker); March On (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Ford Hunger March (about 300 feet away); Rouge River History (about 300 feet away); 19th U.S. Infantry (approx. ¼ mile away); Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines (approx. ¼ mile away); Woodmere Cemetery Iraqi Freedom Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Woodmere Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Detroit.

Additional commentary.
1. Location change
The marker was moved to the UAW Local 600 building 1 mile north at 10550 Dix Avenue in Dearborn (see HMdb #176750).

2. Ford Hunger March Marker

Image of the 1922 bridgetender structure with the marker.

Dedication of the marker at the new site took place on April 24, 2019.

— Submitted July 9, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.

Photographed By Joel Seewald, March 13, 2020

3. Ford Hunger March Marker

The 1922 bridge was replaced in 2013 with this bridge. View looking to the east showing new bridgetender structure without the marker replaced.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 160 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 9, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2, 3. submitted on March 26, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.