Elizabeth Ellet documented a trip to the Coal Region in her book, "Rambles about the country."
An author’s 1840 visit to Schuylkill County focused on natural beauty, growing coal industry
Fuel for Union victory – An 1861 U.S. Navy contract for anthracite coal
Pennsylvania anthracite became the exclusive fuel source for the U.S. Navy during the Civil War.
“In the mines of Avondale” – A Coal Region ballad
"The Avondale Mine Disaster" is a miner's ballad originally recorded by folklorist George Korson in 1946.
Avondale – The Coal Region’s deadliest mining disaster
The Avondale Mine Disaster of September 6, 1869 killed 108 miners and 2 volunteer rescuers.
An 1872 description of the Brookside Colliery above Tower City
In a story published in 1872, a newspaper reporter documented extensive mining operations above Tower City, PA.
Explore the George Bretz collection of Coal Region photography
A digital archive allows researchers to view hundreds of photographs taken in the Coal Region in the 19th century.
Video shows Brookside Colliery at work in early 20th century
Film from the early 20th century shows collieries above Tower City, Pennsylvania in full operation.
“The Pioneer” – Ashland’s Pioneer Colliery in 1864
A brief look at the history of Ashland's Pioneer Colliery in the 19th century.
“Coal is gonna be king”
Reactions to a December 2018 story about a new coal mine in Schuylkill County.
“Big Lick” – Photographs from the 1860s show a Pennsylvania coal mine with an odd name
The images reveal pictures of industry growing on the side of Big Lick Mountain in Upper Dauphin County after the Civil War.
