#OTD20 | October 11, 1936
Mother Jones Memorial Dedicated: Honoring a Labor Icon
October 11, 1936: With the dedication of a granite memorial, the Union Miners Cemetery in Mt. Olive, Illinois becomes the final resting place of labor activist Mother Jones.
Mother Jones, a fierce advocate for miners and workers, had expressed her wish to be buried alongside miners who had sacrificed their lives in labor struggles.
"When the last call comes for me to take my final rest, will the miners see that I get a resting place in the same clay that shelters the miners who gave up their lives in the hills of Virden, Illinois on the morning of October 12, 1897."
The dedication of her memorial honors her final wishes and also commemorated the dedication and sacrifice of countless miners and workers who fought for their rights.
Mother Jones' enduring legacy remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the power of advocacy, unity, and the pursuit of justice.
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The story of Mother Jones aligns with the broader themes of our program, "The Progressive Era."
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#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
September 15, 1916: First Use of Tanks in Combat
#OTD20 — September 15, 1916: History is made as military tanks roll into combat for the first time during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the Somme Offensive.
September 13, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate
#OTD20 — September 10, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith is elected to the U.S. making her the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.
September 12, 1962: JFK Pledges “We Go to the Moon…”
#OTD20 — September 12, 1962: JFK delivers his “We Go to the Moon” address at Rice University, challenging the nation to land a man on the moon within the decade.
September 11, 1973: Coup Topples Government in Chile
#OTD20 — September 11, 1973: a military coup topples the democratically-elected government in Chile.
September 9, 1916. Woodrow Wilson Urges Patience on Women’s Suffrage
#OTD20 — September 9, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson speaks in Atlantic City, urging patience on the issue of women’s suffrage.
September 8, 1945. Korea Partitioned at 38th Parallel
#OTD20 — September 8, 1945: American troops arrive in Korea, initiating the division of the peninsula along the 38th parallel.
September 8, 1945: Huey “The Kingfish” Long Shot
#OTD20 — September 10, 1935: Senator Huey Long, a prominent figure during the Depression-era politics, is shot while at the Louisiana state capital in Baton Rouge.
September 7, 1940. Luftwaffe attacks. London Blitz Begins.
#OTD20 — September 7, 1940: The Blitz of London begins as the German Luftwaffe launches a devastating attack on the city. By day’s end, one thousand Londoners are dead.
Introducing #OTD20: Your Daily Dose of History
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