The completion of Williamstown Tunnel – 1873

In December 1873, a 4,000 foot tunnel was completed through Big Lick Mountain in Dauphin County. Williamstown Tunnel opened up Bear Valley for profitable coal mining.

Grievances of Williamstown miners against the Pennsylvania Railroad Company – 1886

"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.

“Operations at Williamstown” – The first coal shipments from the mines of Williamstown hit markets in 1865

The Upper Dauphin Register describes the new town being constructed in Williams Valley in a September 1865 edition.