Cherry, Illinois

A beautiful memorial stone to the 259 men and boys who died by fire and smoke and far underground, can be found in Holy Trinity Miners Cemetery at Cherry, Illinois, approximately 100 miles west of Chicago. It is well worth the trip. This impressive monument to the victims was erected by the United Mine Workers of America. Cherry is easily reached on IL89 for Interstate 80. Take Exit 70 north on IL89 through the town of Ladd to Cherry (4 miles). The cemetery is on the southern edge of Cherry alongside IL89. The Cherry Library contains many photographs and artifacts from the disaster. The Library and Town Hall is in the business district on the west side of IL89. The library hours are quite limited, however. It is open on Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, and on Saturday from 9:00 to 11:00 am. The telephone number is (815)894-2919. Commemorating the Disaster a plaque is located in the village park at the intersection of Main St. and North Ave. Erected in 1986 by the Illinois State Historical Society and the Illinois Department of Transportation.