Penn's Landing in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Local 8, Industrial Workers of the World

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 26, 2025

1. Local 8, Industrial Workers of the World Marker

Inscription. This union represented Phila. dockworkers from 1913 to 1923. Led by Ben Fletcher, it was among the country's largest, most powerful Black-led, multiracial unions. Advocated for better pay, improved working conditions and worker solidarity across ethnic and racial lines.

Erected 2023 by Philadelphia Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.

Location. 39° 56.636′ N, 75° 8.48′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Penn's Landing. It can be reached from the intersection of South Christopher Columbus Boulevard and Spruce Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: U. S. S. Trigger - SS 237 (a few steps from this marker); Peace-Time Submariners Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Still on Patrol (within shouting distance of this

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marker); A Visit from the President (within shouting distance of this marker); Olympia's Guns & Turrets (within shouting distance of this marker); The Casket of the American "Unknown Soldier" (within shouting distance of this marker); Sphere / Esfera (within shouting distance of this marker); Five Spouts, Frog and Lintel (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Cruiser Olympia - Submarine Becuna (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 26, 2025

2. Local 8, Industrial Workers of the World Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 41 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 28, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.