Coal mining regions have long been hotbeds of folklore and great storytelling. Among the stories passed down through generations are those of ghosts in the mines.

Folklorist George Korson documented numerous stories on his trips through the patch towns and villages of Pennsylvania’s anthracite region in the 1920s and 1930s. But other mining regions have similar tales.

In this discussion with my friend Matt Maris from historical tour company Local Historia, we discuss these stories and the ever-present realities of death and grief that have always haunted mining regions in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Check out Local Historia’s walking tours and programs in communities across Central Pennsylvania!

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More ghost stories and Halloween tales from the Coal Region

Ghost stories and dark folklore collected by George Korson in the Coal Region | 1938

A ghost story from Pottsville, Pennsylvania | 1865

“The Youth owned the town” – Celebrating Halloween in Pottsville in 1893

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