Atlantic City in Atlantic County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

John L. Lewis

Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) Founded with a Punch in Atlantic City

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 22, 2022

1. John L. Lewis Marker

Inscription. At the President Hotel on Atlantic City's Boardwalk in 1935, John L. Lewis threw the punch that was left throughout the mines, plants, and factories of America. Lewis, President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), struck William Hutcheson, President of the Carpenter's Union, during the American Federation of Labor's (AFL) annual convention. Their dispute was caused by Lewis' frustration with the craft-oriented AFL's refusal to organize industrial workers. Lewis eventually led seven unions to found the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), which operated as an independent body representing over 6 million workers prior to its merger with the AFL in 1955.

Erected 1999 by C. Robert McDevitt, President, Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Local 54; Bill Kane, President, New Jersey Industrial Union Council, AFL-CIO.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.

Location. 39° 21.225′ N, 74° 26.264′ W. Marker is in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in Atlantic County. Marker is on Boardwalk just west of South Mississippi Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Atlantic City NJ 08401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Workers' Memorial Monument (here, next to this marker); A. Phillip Randolph (here, next to this marker); Fannie Lou Hamer (here, next to this marker); Atlantic City Workers Monument (here, next to this marker); Walter P. Reuther (a few steps from this marker); Seymour "Pinky" Kravitz (within shouting distance of this marker); Casino Control Act (within shouting distance of this marker); Camp Boardwalk (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlantic City.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 22, 2022

2. John L. Lewis Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 150 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 23, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.