Jim Thorpe in Carbon County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Molly Maguire Executions

By Kevin W., June 20, 2010

1. Molly Maguire Executions Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

On June 21, 1877, four "Molly Maguires," an alleged secret society of Irish mine-workers, were hanged here. Pinkerton detective James McParlan’s testimony led to convictions for violent crimes against the coal industry, yet the facts of the labor, class, and ethnic conflicts, even the existence of the organization, remain contested. Six others were hanged on this day at the county jail in Pottsville; ten more were executed in Pa. through 1879.

Erected 2006 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1860.

Location. 40° 51.821′ N, 75° 44.8′ W. Marker is in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, in Carbon County. Marker is at the intersection of West Broadway and High Street, on the right when traveling west on West Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jim Thorpe PA 18229, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

Molly Maguire Executions Marker and old Carbon County Prison image. Click for full size.

By Kevin W., June 20, 2010

2. Molly Maguire Executions Marker and old Carbon County Prison

Click or scan to see
this page online

of this marker. This House (1844 A.D.) (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Dimmick House (approx. ¼ mile away); National War Savings Campaign of 1918 (approx. 0.4 miles away); From Mountain to Market (approx. half a mile away); Anthracite (approx. half a mile away); Carbon County (approx. half a mile away); The Soldiers and Sailors Monument (approx. half a mile away); The Self Made Man (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jim Thorpe.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study the marker shown.

Also see . . .
1. eHistory at OSU | Multimedia Histories: The overthrow of the Molly Maguires. (Submitted on September 8, 2013, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
2. Marker Quest - Molly Maguire Executions. Further information and photographs relating to the Molly Maguires and their executions. (Submitted on August 28, 2019, by Laura Klotz of Northampton, Pennsylvania.)

Old Carbon County Prison image. Click for full size.

By Kevin W., June 20, 2010

3. Old Carbon County Prison

The Molly Maguire Executions Marker is out of view to the left. The Hibernian Memorial Plaque can be seen to the immediate left of the entrance.

Hibernian Memorial Plaque near the old prison entrance image. Click for full size.

By Kevin W., June 20, 2010

4. Hibernian Memorial Plaque near the old prison entrance

In honor of our Hibernian brothers, leaders of the local Irish Catholic community and the fledgling labor movement.
Executed by hanging in this place as alleged members of the Molly Maquires
June 21, 1877 Alexander Campbell • John Donahue • Michael J. Doyle • Edward Kelly
March 18, 1878 Thomas P. Fisher
January 14, 1879 James McDonnel • Charles Sharp
and the 13 additional alleged Molly Maguires who were hanged in Bloomsberg, Pottsville, and Sunbury.
Your dedication to the improvement of working conditions in the coal mines and your work for your fellow man has earned you a place in history and our eternal gratitude.
Placed in their memory this 21st day of June, 1999 by their bothers in friendship, unity, and Christian charity.
The Alec Campbell, Mauch Chunk Division #1, Carbon County, the Pennsylvania State Board, the National Board, Ancient Ordre of Hibernians in America May they rest in peace

Dedication marker above the entrance to the old Carbon County Prison image. Click for full size.

By Kevin W., June 20, 2010

5. Dedication marker above the entrance to the old Carbon County Prison

Commissioners
Wm Wagner • John Bowman • B. F. Kleppinger
A.B. Nimson, Clerk
Erected A.D. 1869 and 70
Edward Havilland, Architect
Henry Bowman, Builder

Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,316 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 22, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.