The John Mitchell Monument was erected in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1924 in front of the Lackawanna County Courthouse, site of the 1902 Anthracite Coal Strike Commission.
The monument consists of four sections: a heroic-sized bronze statue, a granite monolith, and two low, curved, granite benches flanking either side of the granite monolith. A bronze statue of labor leader John Mitchell stands atop a granite block that is inscribed with the words, “John Mitchell (1870-1919).” The granite monolith features a bas-relief scene carved in the niche directly behind the likeness of Mitchell. It consists of six miners at work, a mule pulling a car of coal and a driver boy. Above this scene and the Mitchell statue are the words,”Champion of Labor, Defender of Human Rights” flanking two clasped hands with the inscription “UMW.” A second bas-relief carving is located on the rear facade of the monolith, which illustrates a miner at home with his family. Below the scene is the inscription: “This monument is created by contributions of the United Mine Workers of America and their friends. John L. Lewis, president; Philip Murray, vice president; William Green, secretary-treasurer.”
The southwest and northeast sides of the granite monolith feature inscribed quotes from Mitchell. “I wish to see the interests and ideals of labor and capitol fairly reconciled not by surrender but by mutual understanding” and “So far as discontent is expressed in constructive movements for the human betterment it is healthy and to be encouraged.”
These photos and description of John Mitchell Monument in Scranton, PA are part of materials from the registration form of Lackawanna County Courthouse in the National Register of Historic Places.
