Jim Thorpe in Carbon County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Molly Maguire Executions
Photographed by Kevin W., June 20, 2010
1. Molly Maguire Executions Marker
On June 21, 1877, four "Molly Maguires," an alleged secret society of Irish mine-workers, were hanged here. Pinkerton detective James McParlans 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 • Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 21, 1877.
Location. 40° 51.821′ N, 75° 44.8′ W. Marker is in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, in Carbon County. It is at the intersection of West Broadway and High Street, on the right when traveling west on West Broadway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 134 W Broadway, Jim Thorpe PA 18229, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region and in the Pocono Mountains. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. 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 and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Vietnam Memorial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); This House (1844 A.D.)
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . .
1. The overthrow of the Molly Maguires. eHistory at OSU website entry (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.)
Photographed by Kevin W., June 20, 2010
2. Molly Maguire Executions Marker and old Carbon County Prison
Photographed 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.
Photographed 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
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
Photographed 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
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 October 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,875 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 22, 2010, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
