Downtown in Evansville in Vanderburgh County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Mary Harris “Mother” Jones
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Activism in Indiana
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 30, 2025
1. Mary Harris “Mother” Jones side of marker
Mary Harris “Mother” Jones. Irish-born activist Mary "Mother" Jones organized workers across the U.S., demanding fair wages and safe working conditions. In Evansville, she rallied striking textile workers in 1901. She returned to Indiana often to speak on behalf of laborers and their families into the 1920s, including at the annual conventions of the United Mine Workers of America in Indianapolis.
Activism in Indiana. Revered by Evansville's labor leaders, Mother Jones fought for child labor laws and advocated for miners here. In 1916, she spoke before 10.000 people at a Labor Day picnic in the city. Organizing throughout Indiana, she addressed a steel strike in Gary in 1919. She believed workers deserved the full value of their labor and control of their workplaces. She died in 1930.
Erected 2023 by Indiana Historical Bureau; Mother Jones Heritage Project; Bill & Kim Musgrave; Labor Day Association; IBEW LU 16; Teamsters 215, USW 104; and Indiana PSO.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Labor Unions • Women. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1901.
Location. 37° 58.616′ N, 87°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Tri-State Region and in Southern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, 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 walking distance of this marker: 2000 & Beyond (within shouting distance of this marker); 1950 to 2000 / General Waste (within shouting distance of this marker); Before 1800 / Evansville (within shouting distance of this marker); 1800 to 1850 (within shouting distance of this marker); 1900 to 1950 / Orr Iron (within shouting distance of this marker); Joan Marchand Bridge (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Evansville Shipyard/Joan Marchand Bridge/Ohio River (about 700 feet away); Pigeon Creek / Sweezer Pond (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Evansville.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Joan Marchand Bridge (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 30, 2025
2. Activism in Indiana side of marker
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 30, 2025
3. Mary Harris “Mother” Jones / Activism in Indiana Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 74 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 11, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
