This 1862 illustration captures the coal mines at Bear Gap during the Civil War, showing how industry, railroads, and labor shaped northern Dauphin County at a pivotal moment. For me, it brings a familiar landscape back to life as it once was. Read the full story.
Explore the Port Carbon Iron Works as depicted in an 1864 illustration from Schuylkill County. Discover this Civil War-era industrial site, owned by T.H. Wintersteen. Read the full story.
An 1863 map of Schuylkill County included the drawing of the new mining operation started in 1862 in northern Schuylkill County.
Discover the remarkable journey of Scottish immigrant Robert Weir in 1850s Schuylkill County. From his work as a hoisting engineer in Pennsylvania's coal mines to his experiences in the California Gold Rush, explore his vivid recollections and the impact of the Civil War on his life. Read the full story.
This map from the Library of Congress collections includes fantastic illustrations of the Coal Region during the Civil War.
A recent comment on our blog pointed out an amazing resource made available by the Pennsylvania State Archives.
The Schuylkill County seat got into the panoramic map craze in 1889, creating a fantastic resource available to modern researchers.