Downtown in Fresno in Fresno County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Site of the Fresno Free Speech Fight

Fresno Free Speech Fight Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Fresno Free Speech Fight Marker

Inscription.
At the corner of Mariposa and I streets, from October 1910 to March 1911, the Industrial Workers of the World fought for the right of free speech in their efforts to organize Fresno's unskilled labor force. This was the first free speech fight in California and the first attempt at organizing the valley's unskilled workers.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 873.

Erected 1974 by State Department of Parks and Recreation; and Fresno Parlor No. 25 N.S.G.W. (Marker Number 873.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.

Location. 36° 44.077′ N, 119° 47.472′ W. Marker is in Fresno, California, in Fresno County. It is in Downtown. It can be reached from the intersection of Mariposa Street and Fulton Street. Located near the outdoor stage. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1940 Mariposa Mall, Fresno CA 93721, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley,

specifically in the Central Valley,

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Green Bush Spring (within shouting distance of this marker); Fresno County Courthouse

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(about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Saroyan (about 700 feet away); Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (about 700 feet away); Lao Hmong American War Memorial (about 700 feet away); Honoring the Ex-Braceros and Their Contributions (approx. 0.2 miles away); Purple Heart Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fresno (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fresno.

Regarding Site of the Fresno Free Speech Fight. "I" Street is known as Fulton Street today.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Fresno Free Speech Fight Marker

The marker is located behind an art installation, in the planter near the outdoor stage.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 480 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.