Old Town in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Albert and Lucy Parsons

Labor activists

— Chicago Tribute —

Albert and Lucy Parsons Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, November 18, 2024

1. Albert and Lucy Parsons Marker

Inscription.
Albert Parsons was raised in Texas by his brother, Confederate General William Parsons. After the Civil War he became a radical Republican, and was appointed a state official during Reconstruction. The target of hostility from white Southerners, he came to Chicago in 1873.

Lucy Conciles, a former slave of African American, Indian and Mexican ancestry, married Parsons in 1871. Like her husband, she was a fiery public speaker and an organizer for the fledgling labor movement. Albert worked as an editor of labor newspapers; Lucy wrote articles and supported the family as a dressmaker. They were living here at 1908 North Mohawk Street when their son, Albert Richard, was born on September 14, 1879.

In May 1886, the couple helped to organize the Eight Hour Day Movement. On May 4, Albert spoke at a hastily organized rally at the Haymarket Square, after which he left for nearby Zepf's Hall. Subsequently someone threw a bomb into the crowd, killing and injuring workers and policemen. Albert Parsons and seven other radicals were blamed for the bombing. He and three other men were found guilty in an infamous trial and hanged on November 11, 1887.

As an organizer, writer and speaker, Lucy continued after Albert's execution to promote economic freedom, industrial unionism, women's rights and civil rights. She died in a fire in her home on March 7, 1942.

Erected 1997 by City of Chicago.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Labor Unions • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Chicago Tribute series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 4, 1886.

Location. 41° 55.011′ N, 87° 38.549′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Old Town. It is on Mohawk Street north

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

of Wisconsin Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1908 North Mohawk Street, Chicago IL 60614, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Centennial Building (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Centennial Building (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Centennial Building (about 600 feet away); Ella Jenkins Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lee Pelty (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Michael Archangel (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mid-North (approx. 0.3 miles away); Policeman Bellinger's Cottage (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chicago.

More about this marker.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, November 18, 2024

2. Albert and Lucy Parsons Marker

The back of the marker includes a description of the Chicago Tribute series of historical markers, which were posted throughout the city in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Regarding Albert and Lucy Parsons. Both Albert and Lucy Parsons are buried at Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois, at the site of the Haymarket Martyrs' Monument, a National Historic Landmark.

Also see . . .
1. Texas State Historical Association: Albert Richard Parsons.

Excerpt: "Albert Parsons left the city that night; in the aftermath of the bloodshed known radicals were jailed. Parsons returned to Chicago voluntarily and presented himself to the court, declaring his innocence and expecting to be exonerated. Ten men were indicted for conspiracy to murder, among them Parsons. Although the bomb-thrower was unknown, the prosecutors held that the defendants were guilty of conspiracy on the grounds that their speeches and writings might have inspired someone to throw the bomb. Of the eight men who stood trial, all were convicted, and seven, including Parsons, were sentenced to death."

(Submitted on November 18, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. The Anarchists and the Haymarket Square Incident.

Albert and Lucy Parsons Marker, rear view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, November 18, 2024

3. Albert and Lucy Parsons Marker, rear view

An article about the Haymarket Affair from PBS (Submitted on November 18, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

3. Chicago Tribute Markers of Distinction official site. (Submitted on November 18, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Lucy Parsons, pointing to a photograph of her husband Albert image. Click for full size.

Loop Photo Service, courtesy of Chicago History Museum, circa 1930

4. Lucy Parsons, pointing to a photograph of her husband Albert

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 560 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 18, 2024, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.