To travel through Kentucky is to experience a living history of our state's triumphs, tragedies, and stories that transcend generations. To many lifelong Kentucky residents, the past is something that is talked about, learned from, sometimes celebrated, and often times relived through vivid memories and photos. One piece of Kentucky history that is equally fascinating and eye-opening is the state's role in coal mining. The mountains of eastern Kentucky are filled with evidence and stories of this dangerous industry and these 8 photos of Kentucky's coal mining past are definitely worth checking out.

The mountains of eastern Kentucky have been dotted with coal mines and towns for generations.

While most of this region is dealing with the aftermath of the coal industry now, there is still plenty of evidence of how things once were. These photos take you back through the years and give a glimpse of what life was like for the families who dedicated their lives to this industry. In the photo above, you'll see the Leatherwood Coal Tipple in Perry County.

The faces of these mines and coal towns tell so many stories and are often mixed with a sense of fear and determination.

This photo shows a group of miners with their Superintendent, but the year is unknown. Perhaps you recognize someone or know the story of this mine.

Harlan County has long been tied to the coal industry and the photo below shows the tipple for PV & K Coal Company at the Clover Gap Mine.

Taken in 1946, it's easy to see that the working conditions were not only harsh, they were extremely dangerous on many levels. These men and families risked so much each day as they stepped on the job.

In fact, coal mines often aren't heard much about until something tragic takes place.

As shown in this photo from the Hollybush Mine in Isom, Kentucky, taken in 1984, everyone was well aware of the dangers. However, it was a job and bravery was an everyday expectation and remains that way for those in the coal mines today.

Not all of the work at a mine and in a coal town took place underground.

This image was amazingly captured 100 years ago in 1919 in Lynch. Mule team drivers are shown in a scene that is hard to imagine taking place today.

Hazard is another Kentucky coal town that continues to have ties to the industry today.

It is believed that this is a photo of the first train in town, which would have been a monumental celebration during this time period.

Coal towns were often met with controversy and conflict, as shown in this photo.

Here a group of miners face soldiers in Harlan County in 1939. Workers in this area, as with many coal towns, have fought for rights over decades.

Many of these former coal towns have long since disappeared, while a few have simply changed over time.

Harlan County is shown again in 1946 at the PV & K Coal Company Camp at the Clover Gap Mine. These proud and hard-working Kentuckians have long been the heartbeat of this tumultuous industry, and these photos are an eye-opening experience showing a glimpse of life of Kentucky's coal mining past.

These photos of Kentucky's coal mining past may conjure up feelings of intrigue, sadness, fascination, or even remembrance. For every Kentuckian, they likely promote a sense of pride for the incredibly hard work and dedication these families had to this life that was and is a huge part of this region of Kentucky. What do you think of these photos? Do you have a story of Kentucky's coal mining past? Please share it with us in the comments.

All of these photos were shared via Facebook on the Kentucky Coal Towns Page. If you'd like to see and learn more, follow along with them here.

And for a Kentucky destination that makes for a great day trip to visit a mine and learn more about coal mining, check out our previous article here.