Haymarket Memorial
175 N. Desplaines St., Chicago, IL 60661
Historic Sites
The Haymarket Memorial marks the site of the 1886 labor protest where a bombing killed police and civilians. It stands as a symbol of free speech, workers' rights, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
On May 4, 1886, a labor protest in Chicago’s Haymarket district turned deadly when an unknown person threw a bomb at police trying to disperse the crowd. The explosion killed seven officers and at least four civilians. In the aftermath, several activists were arrested and unjustly tried, though none were tied to the bombing.
Drawing on the symbolism of the wagon used as the speakers’ platform during the meeting, this sculpture by Mary Brogger marks the precise location where the wagon stood, and where the historic events occurred.
Over the years, the site of the Haymarket bombing has become a powerful symbol for a diverse cross-section of people, ideals and movements. Its significance touches on the issues of free speech, the right of public assembly, organized labor, the fight for the eight-hour workday, law enforcement, justice, anarchy and the right of every human being to pursue an equitable and prosperous life. For all, it is a poignant lesson in the rewards and consequences inherent in such human pursuits.
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What's happening nearby...
Chicago Theatre Week
Feb 05 – Feb 15
Calling all audiences — Chicago Theatre Week is back! Enjoy value-priced tickets to an array of productions from Feb. 5 – 15, 2026.
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The Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building • Jan 29 – Feb 21
The Roald Dahl Story Company presents its first production in Chicago, the wickedly funny, family musical based on Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile.
Read more about Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile: The Musical at The Studebaker Theater
