Chicago Breaks Ground on Mother Jones Labor Monument
City officials and activists have begun construction on a downtown sculpture honoring labor leader Mary Harris Jones.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Unions
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Officials and advocates held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Mother Jones 'We Shall Rise' monument at Mother Jones Plaza. This project marks the first downtown sculpture in Chicago dedicated to a historic woman.
Why it matters
The monument honors the legacy of Mary Harris Jones, a pivotal figure in the American labor movement known for her activism. It serves as a permanent recognition of her efforts to secure rights for workers.
The project secured over $200,000 in private fundraising to supplement a $36,000 grant from the government of Ireland. The monument is set for its official dedication on May 1, 2027.
The players
Mary Harris Jones
Also known as Mother Jones, she was an influential Irish-American schoolteacher and dressmaker who became a prominent organized labor representative.
Kathleen Farrell
She is one of the two artists commissioned to design and create the bronze sculpture honoring Jones.
Kathleen Scarboro
She serves as the co-artist alongside Kathleen Farrell for the Mother Jones 'We Shall Rise' monument.
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
This city agency oversees the promotion of culture and the arts in Chicago and co-managed the monument project.
Mother Jones Heritage Project
This organization led the fundraising efforts to secure the necessary capital for the monument construction.
The details
The site, located at Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue, will feature a bronze sculpture of Jones alongside a child. Created by artists Kathleen Farrell and Kathleen Scarboro, the piece references the 1903 March of the Mill Children.
Timeline
1903: Mary Harris Jones organized the March of the Mill Children.
2020: The Chicago Monuments Project was established.
October 2026: Groundbreaking ceremony occurred for the new monument.
May 1, 2027: Official dedication of the completed sculpture is scheduled.
Political Context
The initiative follows the organizational structure and public review process set by the Chicago Monuments Project which began in 2020. This framework guides how the city evaluates and installs new public historical markers to better represent diverse community figures.
Residents and downtown commuters should prepare for potential localized activity or construction signage at the intersection of Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue as the site is developed. The plaza is intended to serve as a new cultural destination for the public.
The takeaway
This monument provides a permanent public anchor for the history of labor activism in the city. Residents can look forward to the site opening as an educational landmark for local history.
What happens next
The completed monument is scheduled for an official public dedication ceremony on May 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on organized labor developments, visit the Chicago Unions section.
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