Flint in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Flint Sit-Down

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021

1. The Flint Sit-Down Marker

Inscription. On February 1, 1937, the wave of sit-down strikes against General Motors broadened as Chevrolet Plant No. 4 was seized. The United Auto Workers’ strategy was a diversionary strike at the nearby Plant No. 9 to draw company personnel to that point while the true target, Plant No. 4, was secured. As a battle between unionists and company guards took place inside Plant No. 9, other strikers captured the key Plant No. 4. Pickets outside were aided by the Women’s Emergency Brigade, which fended off police until strikers inside secured the vital plant. Since all Chevrolet engines were produced in Plant No. 4, elimination of this supply would close Chevrolet operations nationwide. On February 11, 1937, the strike ended as General Motors recognized the UAW as bargaining agent for its members. This represents one of the most significant events in labor history.

Erected 1980 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S0497.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission

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series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 1, 1937.

Location. 42° 59.37′ N, 83° 42.732′ W. Marker is in Flint, Michigan, in Genesee County. It is at the intersection of Executive Plaza Drive and Penbrook Lane, on the left when traveling west on Executive Plaza Drive. Located in Sitdowners Memorial Park behind UAW Region 1-D Office. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1901 Executive Plaza Dr, Flint MI 48507, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: UAW Tribute to Women (a few steps from this marker); Elizabeth Cady Stanton (within shouting distance of this marker); Lucy Gonzalez Parsons (within shouting distance of this marker); Rhonda Cornum (within shouting distance of this marker); Carrie Chapman Catt (within shouting distance

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021

2. The Flint Sit-Down Marker

of this marker); Rosie the Riveter (within shouting distance of this marker); Fannie Lou Hamer (within shouting distance of this marker); Frances Perkins (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flint.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021

3. The Flint Sit-Down Marker

Monument to the Women's Emergency Brigade, which aided in the strike.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021

4. The Flint Sit-Down Marker

Located in Sitdowners Memorial Park

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 296 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on August 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.