Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ford Hunger March
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 8, 2021
1. Ford Hunger March Marker
Inscription.
Ford Hunger March. . 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.
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: Labor Unions • 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. 42° 18.137′ N, 83° 8.832′ W. Marker is in Dearborn, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker is at the intersection of Dix Avenue and
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Ferney Street, on the left when traveling north on Dix Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10550 Dix Avenue, Dearborn MI 48120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Additional commentary. 1. Location change The marker used to be on the Fort Street Bridge (see HMdb #147218), but was moved here after the new bridge was built. Dedication of the marker at this site took place on April 24, 2019.
— Submitted July 9, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 8, 2021
2. Ford Hunger March Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 131 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 9, 2021, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
