These 12 Rare Photos Show West Virginia’s Mining History Like Never Before
December 6th is officially designated as Miner’s Day in the state of West Virginia, but this culturally-defining industry deserves year-round recognition. To recognize and celebrate the family and community members that built this local industry, we’ve gathered a number of photos of West Virginia’s mining history. Take a look at these historic photos for a glimpse of the hard work, risk, and dedication from coal miners and their families throughout our state’s history. West Virginia wouldn’t be the same without them.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The coal mining industry has brought a lot of life to West Virginia.
The town of Welch in McDowell County was thriving in 1946, when this photograph was snapped. It was once called "The Heart of the Nation's Coal Bin." The community was founded in the 1890s, but the 1920s coal boom helped this small community grow into a more prosperous settlement.
Mining towns were real communities where people came together for work and recreation.
Once upon a time, Welch had a baseball field where mining towns would compete. This 1946 capture reflects an era where society was still segregated, but where simple pleasures like baseball were a summertime favorite.
Much of mining town life was centered around the company store.
This was the company store in Grant Town, Marion County. Koppers Coal Division owned the mine here. Company stores sponsored social events and provided everything for the mining families, however, they were also prone to exploitation of the workers. This photo was captured in 1946, as you might guess from the cars in the background.
Churches were also central to the community, just as they are in many places to this very day.
The Kingston-Pocahontas Coal Company's Warwick Mine had segregated churches and communities. This was a meeting at the black church in Welch, West Virginia.
Coal miners worked hard to care for their families, but the job was incredibly risky.
If you've never heard of the Farmington Mine Disaster, as it was dubbed, it's worth learning about. An explosion shook the ground for miles, trapping 99 workers underground on the morning of November 20 at 5:30 a.m. The cause of the explosion was never determined, but 21 workers did manage to escape the mines and industry safety reform was rolled out following the incident.
Some mines employed more than just the men. Young boys often worked underground as well.
Child miners worked underground at the mine in Gary, West Virginia. This photo from 1908 shows a darker time in American history, as you can see three young workers covered in grime.
This child was tasked with finding lumps of coal among the mine's refuse.
This photo was taken in Scotts' Run between 1936 and 1937. Of course, this was in the swing of the Great Depression, though the economy was fairly stable in 1936. In late 1937, heavy taxation caused another downturn in the economy, and unemployment would creep up to 19 percent by 1938. While this little guy was doubtlessly helping a struggling family, can you imagine working at that age?!
Miners pose with an unexploded bomb that was dropped on them by the U.S. Government during the bloody battle of Blair Mountain in 1921. This unfortunate confrontation was the largest labor movement in American history, and it claimed the lives of circa 100 people.
Even under improved conditions, a coal miner can't get the job out of his head.
Rather than sitting to relax, the miners in this picture "hunker down" as they do in the narrow mine shafts. This photo was taken in Coal City in 1974.
Ask any miner, and he'll tell you how proud he is to work hard to care for his family.
These miners are waiting to check out after work at the Kopperston Mine in Wyoming County. Pictured in August of 1946, these workers likely had a lot on their mind. Earlier that month, the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 was signed, and earlier that year It's a Wonderful Life premiered. It was a busy time in the development of American culture.
What do you think of these photos of West Virginia’s mining history? If you’re anything like many local families, you probably have a few family photos of your own. Share your thoughts on this piece in the comments!
For an up close look at West Virginia’s coal history, take a ride in a coal car at the Beckley Exhibition Mine.
Coal mining is one of many things that The Mountain State is known for, but it has a lot of other things to offer. Southern hospitality, comfort food, and gorgeous views are a few of the luxuries we have to offer.
How has West Virginia changed over the years?
Indigenous peoples have populated this state since as early as 100 BCE, and the landscape was surveyed by Europeans in the 1670s. West Virginia was admitted to the Union in 1863, at a time when the population was circa 377,000. Today, nearly 2 million residents call this state home.
Can I hike to historical sites in West Virginia?
You can find all sorts of beautiful hikes in WV, and some of them hide historic treasures. There’s a hike to an abandoned coal town that you might enjoy; it’s called Nutallburg and it features ruins and structures from the old settlement.
Rachel is proud to live in wild and wonderful West Virginia. She enjoys nature walks, photography, and discovering new restaurants all around the state.
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