The History of West Virginia Coal Mining | Drive Thru History: American Holidays | Labor Day
The History of West Virginia Coal Mining
Drive Thru History with Dave Stotts: in this clip from our American Holiday show, learn the history of Labor Day with Dave!
West Virginia is coal mining country. After the railroad companies started carving routes through the Appalachian Mountains, coal mining really took off in the state between 1880 and 1900. New communities popped up throughout the region as immigrants from Europe and African Americans from the South poured into West Virginia for jobs and better lives for their families. The beautiful rolling hills of West Virginia are filled with old mining towns.
By the beginning of the 20th century, West Virginia, was the national leader in the production of coal. However, West Virginia was also known as the leader in dangerous working conditions in its mines. Year after year, West Virginia had more mining-related accidents and deaths than any other state.
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