Lucas in Lucas County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

John L. Lewis

1880-1969

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2021

1. John L. Lewis Marker

Inscription.
Lewis, the foremost National Labor leader of his time, was born near Lucas, Iowa, son of a Welsh immigrant miner. At age 16, he began work in the coal mines, and by 1906 was elected the United Mine Workers’ delegate from Lucas. Lewis rose quickly in the organization, culminating in his election as United Mine Workers President in 1920. He joined with others in 1938 to form the Congress of Industrial Organizations, which later merged with the American Federation of Labor. Lewis’ stern appearance and bushy eyebrows were well known to millions of Americans, who either loved or hated him for his activities in behalf of Labor.

Erected 1978 by Iowa State Historical Department Division of the Iowa State Historical Society; and the Lucas County Historical Society. (Marker Number 31.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the Iowa - State Historical Society of Iowa series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.

Location. 41° 1.652′ N, 93° 27.67′ W. Marker is in Lucas, Iowa, in Lucas County. It is on

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Division Street north of U.S. 34, on the left when traveling north. The marker is located in Lucas Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lucas IA 50151, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Iowa. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Mormon Trail (approx. 8 miles away); Lucas County Courthouse (approx. 8.1 miles away); Lucas County Civil War Monument & Fence (approx. 8.1 miles away); Crozier Building (approx. 8.1 miles away); The Murder of Sheriff Gaylord Lyman (approx. 8.1 miles away).

Also see . . . John L. Lewis. Excerpt:

President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) from 1920 until 1960 and founding president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), John Llewellyn Lewis was
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2021

2. John L. Lewis Marker
(looking south • Lucas Park and US Highway 34 in background)
the dominant voice shaping the labor movement in the 1930s. The CIO owed its existence in large measure to Lewis, who was a tireless and effective advocate of industrial unionism and of government assistance in organizing basic industry.

(Submitted on July 21, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Birthplace of John L. Lewis Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2021

3. Birthplace of John L. Lewis Sign

(located near marker in Lucas Park)
Lucas, Iowa
Birthplace of
John L. Lewis
Donated by
United Mine Workers of America
District No. 14
1985

John L. Lewis Memorial Museum of Mining and Labor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 1, 2021

4. John L. Lewis Memorial Museum of Mining and Labor

(located on Division Street, 1/10 mile north of marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 568 times since then and 117 times this year. Last updated on May 28, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 21, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.