THE LOOP (WBBM Newsradio) -- People walking downtown will soon see a new fixture along Wacker Drive, honoring someone once called "the most dangerous woman in America."
City and union leaders broke ground this week on a new monument commemorating the life of "Mother" Jones, the progressive icon known for organizing garment, textile and steel workers during the turn of the 20th Century.
"'Mother' Jones called Chicago her home," Rosemary Feurer from the Mother Jones Heritage Project said before the ceremonial ground-breaking on the landscaped median at Wacker Drive, Wabash Avenue and South Water Street. "She was a force of nature - somebody to be reckoned with."
"When the (Chicago Federation of Labor) was founded 130 years ago, 'Mother' Jones was there," CFL President Bob Reiter told the audience at the pre-ground-breaking ceremony, noting the Irish immigrant's deep ties to Chicago.
Downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) said during the ceremony he hoped it will inspire people to learn more about 'Mother' Jones' legacy: "Consider what solidarity asks of us today, especially in the shadow of the tower just across the river," gesturing to the Trump Tower sitting on the other side of the Chicago River.
It's expected to be dedicated next year.
Leaders break ground on statue of 'Mother' Jones
Leaders break ground on statue of 'Mother' Jones
