Lemont Quarry Battle Site
Lemont, IL, June 9, 1893
In 1885 quarry workers in the Lemont area went on strike, seeking a 25¢ per day increase in wages.
They eventually received the increase, but only after the state militia moved in and arrested 36 and killed 3 more.
In the spring of 1893 the quarry owners rescinded the pay increase, prompting another strike to regain the lost wages. The companies responded by bringing in scab workers, housing them on the worksites and arming them against any approach by the strikers.
On June 9 unarmed strikers met to discuss whether or not to continue the strike. They were met here by the replacement workers, local law enforcement and two regiments of the Illinois National Guard, who opened fire upon the strikers. Four strikers were killed and dozens injured in the ensuing melee.
