One of the most interesting aspects of any memorial is where to put it, who sponsors it, and who designs it. The “space of memory” is often contested. It has to be won in what are often acrimonious discussions. Even the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring the heroic dead in what is overwhelmingly regarded as a necessary war and “a good war” faced a lengthy battle of its own to achieve a place on the National Mall. Thus, it is very interesting to consider that only belatedly was a Battle of Virden Memorial able to obtain municipal approval and gather non-municipal funding so as to secure placement in a corner of Virden’s town square. 

The Battle of Virden memorial was created by a coalition of major patrons (State of Illinois Coal Office, UMWA District 12, Illinois AFL-CIO, City of Virden, principal individual donors) and small donors. Together, the funds were raised with which to commission this memorial representing the violent labor event that took place in Virden.    

Left column: local individuals. Middle column: organized labor. Right column: local businesses 

The small contributions were received from those individuals whose names appear on the bricks of the pavement surrounding the monument. Some bricks indicate only the name of the donor. Some say they are in memory of a family member. Sometimes a connection with mining is indicated for a commemorated family member. Some bricks identify community organizations or shops. And a few make overtly activist statements: “Lest we never forge those gave so much”; “An injury to one is an injury to all”.

The magnificent, evocative bronze bas-relief was created by artist David Seagraves of Elizabeth, IL. The detail on this beautiful memorial is extraordinary. It measures 6.5’ x 12’. It was unveiled in October 2006. Several of the closeup images below were generously provided by Mr. Seagraves.

ABOVE: The poster that circulated in Alabama to recruit “175 good colored miners” is represented on the far left side of memorial.

ABOVE: Interestingly, the memorial features Mother Jones in the center at the top, even though she was not involved in this battle. 

ABOVE: The bottom right of the memorial shows a downcast widow with two children. She is seated alongside a tombstone with the names of the fallen.