East Side in Chicago in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
National Historic Site Memorial Day Massacre
May 30, 1937
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, July 17, 2026
1. National Historic Site Memorial Day Massacre Marker
This area, which was prairie land in 1937, was the site of the Memorial Day Massacre on May 30, 1937. On that day, about 1500 striking steelworkers, their families, and supporters marched near the entrance of Republic Steel at 118th and Burley Avenue to protest Republic Steel's refusal to recognize the Steel Workers Organizing Committee as the workers' representatives at the mill.
When Chicago police broke up the protest with gunfire, ten people were shot to death, and many others were wounded.
Although the Steelworkers union was not recognized at Republic until 1941, the Congressional investigation of this incident spurred union organizing throughout the country. This event was historic, not only for the steel industry, but as a turning point in management-labor relations in the United States.
Erected 2025 by Steelworkers History Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions • Law Enforcement. A significant historical date for this entry is May 30, 1937.
Location. 41° 40.971′ N, 87° 32.389′ W. Marker is in Chicago, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Illinois’ Calumet Region. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Steelworkers Organize in the Southeast Side (here, next to this marker); MartyrsHeroesUnionists (a few steps from this marker); About the Sculpture (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named MartyrsHeroesUnionists (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, July 17, 2026
2. National Historic Site Memorial Day Massacre Marker in context
Also see . . . Memorial Day Massacre of 1937. Chicago History Museum
From the footage, the Senate committee determined that the police made many baseless allegations, including lying about carrying regulation equipment-night sticks and instead carrying hatchet-handle clubs and tear gas. The investigation exposed the truth and debunked other police claims, revealing their aggressive, unprovoked tactics and the subsequent cover-up. The Senate concluded that the police did not properly prepare their officers with clear instructions, used excessive force in their interactions with protestors, and did not carry out an honest investigation of the events.(Submitted on July 17, 2026, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana.)
As the newsreel footage played across cinemas nationwide, the truth of the Memorial Day Massacre became undeniable. This event, the victims, the survivors, and the medias role in shaping its narrative underscore the everlasting importance of documenting and challenging power. And the resilience and sacrifices of Latinos such as Lupe Marshall and Max Guzmαn, especially in the face of police brutality, underscore the pivotal role they played in the struggle for justice and equity in Chicago.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2026, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2026, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
