In 1862, controversial politician and former War Secretary Simon Cameron turned his attention to a major coal project in northern Dauphin County. Using his political clout, he briefly joined the Summit Branch Railroad Company’s board, helping broker a lucrative sale that shaped this anthracite-rich region’s future. Read the full story.
In 1878, Superintendent Joseph Anthony’s report showed nearly 700 workers—including over 180 boys—at Williamstown Colliery. Boys as young as eight worked underground or picked slate in the breaker, all for meager wages. This data highlights the stark realities of child labor in Pennsylvania’s anthracite industry. Read the full story.
Major Joseph Anthony was severely wounded during his Civil War service, but later took up a job leading mining operations in Dauphin County, PA.
On December 9, 1873, the Williamstown Tunnel in northern Dauphin County was completed as tunneling teams from both sides of Big Lick Mountain finally met. This engineering feat, begun in 1870, opened new coal reserves for the Summit Branch Railroad Company and transformed the Williamstown Colliery into one of the most productive anthracite mines in the region. Learn how this pivotal moment in Pennsylvania’s coal mining history unfolded. Read the full story.
"We are men and all we ask is to be treated as such," wrote the miners in a public letter published during their 1886 strike.
Isaac Kunkel photographed the Williamstown Colliery in 1860s and documented the birth of a new town.
The Upper Dauphin Register describes the new town being constructed in Williams Valley in a September 1865 edition.