Historical Events

When looking at the history of anthracite coal mining in Pennsylvania, it is extremely difficult to find a concise timeline of historical events which shaped its future. This is our way to create this and better visualize the evolution of the region.

• 1775 – First Anthracite Coal Mine
• 1828 – Delaware and Hudson Canal Built
• 1838 – Ashley Planes Built
• 1850 – Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad Built
• 1861 – Mahanoy Plane Built
• 1869 – Avondale Mine Disaster
• 1876-1877 – Molly Maguires Trials and Hangings
• 1896 – Twin Shaft Disaster
• 1897 – Lattimer Massacre
• 1902 – Anthracite Coal Strike
• 1902 – Brooks Mine Opens
• 1911 – Price-Pancoast Mine Disaster
• 1915 – Laurel Run Mine Fire
• 1917 – Peak Production of Anthracite Coal
• 1919 – Baltimore Mine Tunnel Disaster
• 1946 – Carbondale West Side Mine Fire
• 1954 – Conowingo Drainage Tunnel Proposed
• 1959 – Knox Mine Disaster
• 1962 – Centralia Mine Fire
• 1963 – Sheppton Mine Disaster
• 1963 – Pioneer Tunnel Mine Tour Opens
• 1977 – Porter Tunnel Mine Disaster
• 1979 – Butler Mine Tunnel Discharge
• 1982 – Pine Brook Shaft Accident
• 1985 – Lackawanna Mine Tour Opens
• 1995 – Carbondale Russell Park Mine Fire
• 2002 – Undergroundminers.com Launches
• 2002 – No. 9 Mine Tour Opens
• 2004 – Olyphant Mine Fire
• 2023 – Brooks Mine Reopens