Downtown in Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
International Longshoremen’s Association Local #1402
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, May 20, 2026
1. International Longshoremen’s Association Local #1402 Marker
Tampa's port is one of its most important economic engines, and for over a century, the port's longshoremen have been one of the most significant groups of people who make that engine run smoothly. Though the dock workers had been represented off and on by a variety of unions since 1900, their interests have been protected by the International Longshoremen's Association, Local 1402, since December 1935. Founded during the depths of the Great Depression, Local 1402 has been instrumental in insuring worker safety and fair pay. Perry Harvey, Sr., became president of the union following the short term of founding president John LaVelle. Harvey became a giant in Tampa's Black community and a hero for his fellow longshoremen and their families. Under Harvey's 37-year run as president, which ended upon his death in 1972, the pay, working conditions, and status of longshoremen continued to improve. Always difficult and dangerous, the jobs of the longshoremen still came to be one of the most respected in the Black community.
Erected 2026 by City of Tampa, Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Labor Unions • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1935.
Location. 27°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Tampa Bay. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Kid Mason Community Center (within shouting distance of this marker); Central Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Music Legends of Central Avenue (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Brooke Mass Grave (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tampa Native Americans (about 300 feet away); Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church (about 300 feet away); U.S.S. Sagamore (about 300 feet away); Perry Harvey, Sr., Park Skateboard Bowl (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.
Also see . . . National Labor Relations Board. (Submitted on May 29, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)
Photographed by Tim Fillmon, May 20, 2026
2. International Longshoremen’s Association Local #1402 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 29, 2026, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.
