Coal mining has been an important part of West Virginia’s history. Many towns sprang up around the coal mines, and many West Virginians have at least one coal miner relative or friend. A large number of mines have now been closed, however, and the towns have been abandoned. In Beckley, WV, you can tour one of those old coal towns that has been preserved.
The Exhibition Coal Mine shows visitors what life was like in an old coal town.
Beckley.org This is the general store, which was owned by the coal company.
Beckley.org This was the superintendent’s house.
TripAdvisor/MarieFromGeorgia This is a house where a bachelor coal miner lived.
Visitors take a tram all around the coal mine.
Beckley.org
TripAdvisor/Karen D. It’s pulled by old mining equipment, and the tour is led by people who have first-hand mining experience.
The ride takes you deep underground.
TripAdvisor/Steve162
TripAdvisor/Steve162 You can get a sense of the difficult conditions in which the miners worked.
TripAdvisor/ESW_TT The preserved equipment is what was used in the early 20th century.
There’s a lot of history here. It definitely looks worth a tour.
Beckley.org
This is the general store, which was owned by the coal company.
This was the superintendent’s house.
TripAdvisor/MarieFromGeorgia
This is a house where a bachelor coal miner lived.
TripAdvisor/Karen D.
It’s pulled by old mining equipment, and the tour is led by people who have first-hand mining experience.
TripAdvisor/Steve162
You can get a sense of the difficult conditions in which the miners worked.
TripAdvisor/ESW_TT
The preserved equipment is what was used in the early 20th century.
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is located at 513 Ewart Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Learn more about their hours of operation (the differ seasonally) and the fees for entry, check out their official website.
For more about the history of coal mining in West Virginia, take a look at these seven abandoned mining towns.
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