Samuel Gompers Memorial

Washington, Italy

The Samuel Gompers Memorial is a bronze collection of statues in Washington, D.C., sited on a triangular park at the intersection of 11th Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and N Street NW. Samuel Gompers was an English-born American who grew up working in cigar factories, where he witnessed the long hou

rs and dangerous conditions people experienced in factory jobs. He helped with growing the Cigar Makers' International Union, and a few years later, founded the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The number of members rose from 50,000 to 3,000,000 during his time as president of the union. He was not only successful in expanding the power of the labor movement, but also increased its prestige. A year after Gomper's death, it was suggested a memorial be placed in Washington, D.C., that would honor the labor hero. While fundraising for the project took place amongst AFL members, Robert Ingersoll Aitken was selected to create the sculptures. In 1933, the unveiling and dedication of the memorial, located just one block from the American Federation of Labor Building, took place. Amongst the dignitaries present at the ceremony were a number of labor leaders, Eleanor Roosevelt, and President Franklin...

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