On Christmas Eve 1946, 125 mineworkers braved freezing temperatures to sing carols by candlelight at the Newkirk Tunnel near Tamaqua, PA. Their voices echoed through the snowy hills, forging a new holiday tradition underground. An unlikely yet moving scene of hope and unity. Read the full story.
In the summer of 1865, victory won in the Civil War, Pennsylvania’s soldiers expected to go home—except the 202nd. Sent instead to the Coal Region to guard mine operators and intimidate striking workers, they called it “disgraceful duty.” A fiery letter from Tamaqua revealed disgust, defiance, and weariness. Read the full story.
A writer's visit to the Coal Region and his fascinating, but scathing opinions about what he found - Summer of 1873
Caralunas became one of the first soldiers from Schuylkill County to be killed-in-action during World War I.
Discover the tragic 1858 incident where toxic gases from a burning coal mine claimed the lives of two mining officials in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. Explore this early example of mine fires in the anthracite coal fields, highlighting the dangers miners faced and the environmental challenges of the era. Read the full story.
A travel writer made a detailed entry about Tamaqua, Pennsylvania in the summer of 1862.
In early October 1918, pandemic influenza descended on Schuylkill County and left thousands dead.
In June 1864, the offices of the Anthracite Journal in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania were ransacked by an angry mob.