Marseilles in LaSalle County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Mistaken Shoot-out at Marseilles Dam

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, December 30, 2023

1. Mistaken Shoot-out at Marseilles Dam Marker

Inscription. On July 19, 1932, unemployed workers marched toward the Marseilles Dam, which was using out-of-state workers for a major project. As the local workers reached the site, gunfire exploded from the dam site. 21 protesting workers were wounded and Steve Sutton, a Joliet laborer and iron worker, was killed. After this bloody incident an agreement was reached to hire local labor. Laborers International Union of North America 393 was organized after this tragedy.

Erected by Laborers International Union of North America • Ullico Inc. • Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 19, 1932.

Location. 41° 19.518′ N, 88° 42.586′ W. Marker is in Marseilles, Illinois, in LaSalle County. It can be reached from the intersection of Main Street (County Highway 15) and Mill Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marseilles IL 61341, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Illinois

and specifically in the Illinois River Valley.

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 Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Death of “Big Steve” Sutton and the Birth of Laborers' Local Union 393 (a few steps from this marker); First Marine Division FMF Memorial

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Sgt. James Sanborn (approx. ¼ mile away); Marseilles Civil War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Marseilles Veterans Monument (approx. ¼ mile away); Marseilles Veterans Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Waterways that Built Chicago (approx. 5.2 miles away); Landing Ship Tank Memorial (approx. 5½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marseilles.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, December 30, 2023

2. Mistaken Shoot-out at Marseilles Dam Marker

Front page of the July 19, 1932 edition of the Streator Daily Times-Press.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, December 30, 2023

3. Mistaken Shoot-out at Marseilles Dam Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 250 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 14, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.