Labor Day Tribute to E. Fred Long

Join us for a special Labor Day Tribute to honor the life and legacy of Edwardsville coal miner E. Fred Long, who lost his life at 19 years old in the Battle of Virden on October 12, 1898. This significant local historical event is not well known, but played an integral role in shaping U.S. labor laws today.

The event is free and open to the public. Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

The tribute includes a procession of miners, members of the Union Miners Cemetery in Mt. Olive, Illinois, words from Mother Jones, labor songs, and the unveiling of a historic plaque for Fred, made possible through the generosity of the Mythic Mississippi Project.

Accessibility: The event will be held graveside. The terrain is flat and a short distance from the front chapel, accessed through a straight, grassy, maintained path.

Parking: Street parking is available in front of the cemetery entrance and adjacent streets. Passenger drop-off space is available at the front entrance.