Mother Jones (1830-1930)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Mary Harris Jones began the March of the Factory Children here, July 1903, to dramatize the need for child labor legislation. Born in Ireland, Jones was an organizer and inspiring presence in the U.S. coal, steel, and textile labor movements.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In July 1903, the Irish-born labor organizer Mary Harris "Mother" Jones launched her famous March of the Mill Children from Philadelphia, leading textile workers and children maimed by factory machinery on a long walk to dramatize the toll of child labor. A fearless presence in the coal, steel, and textile struggles, she made the nation look at the young hands turning its looms. Her march helped push child-labor reform onto the American conscience.
Why it matters
The march put the human cost of industrialization on public display and advanced the long fight to get children out of the mills and into schools.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.7 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Bridgette Mayer0.7 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.8 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center0.8 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.8 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall0.8 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.2 mi away
- Reading Terminal0.3 mi away
- The Universal Sphere0.3 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.4 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- President's House0.8 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.8 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- Burger King0.6 mi away
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.6 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe0.6 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- El Azteca0.6 mi away
- Park’s Salad Bar0.6 mi away
- Lamberti Pizza & Market0.6 mi away · 707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center Citynearby · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel0.1 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown0.2 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Loews Philadelphia Hotel0.2 mi away · 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Holiday Inn Express0.2 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Philadelphia - Convention Center, PA0.2 mi away · 1200 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Mary Harris "Mother" Jones
Related events
- · March of the Mill Children (1903)
Themes & tags
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