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Hidden Company Towns Of Pennsylvania’s Coal Region

Published:

by Elyse Lough

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Have you ever wondered what life was like in company towns during the coal boom in Pennsylvania? These unique communities, built and owned by coal companies, offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Workers and their families lived in houses provided by the company, shopped at company stores, and often attended company-run schools and churches. While some might think these towns were just places to live, they were much more. They were tight-knit communities where everyone knew each other, and daily life revolved around the coal mines. Let's take a closer look at these hidden gems and uncover the stories they hold.

Hidden Company Towns of Pennsylvania's Coal Region

Pennsylvania's coal region is dotted with company towns, each with its own unique history and charm. These towns were built by coal companies to house their workers and their families. Today, they offer a glimpse into the past and a chance to explore a different way of life.

Centralia: The Town That Burned

Centralia is perhaps the most famous of Pennsylvania's company towns, but for all the wrong reasons. An underground mine fire has been burning beneath the town since 1962, causing most residents to leave.

  1. Centralia: Once a bustling town, Centralia now has only a handful of residents. The fire has created eerie scenes, with smoke rising from cracks in the ground and abandoned buildings standing as silent witnesses to the town's past.

Eckley Miners' Village: A Living Museum

Eckley Miners' Village offers a well-preserved look at life in a 19th-century company town. The village has been turned into a museum, with many original buildings still standing.

  1. Eckley Miners' Village: Visitors can tour the village and see the homes, churches, and other buildings that made up the town. The museum offers guided tours and special events that bring the history of the village to life.

Lansford: Home of the No. 9 Mine

Lansford is home to the No. 9 Mine and Museum, one of the oldest continuously operated anthracite coal mines in the world. The town itself has a rich history tied to the coal industry.

  1. Lansford: The No. 9 Mine offers underground tours that take visitors deep into the mine. The museum features exhibits on the history of coal mining and the lives of the miners who worked there.

Mahanoy City: A Town Built on Coal

Mahanoy City was founded in 1859 by the Mahanoy Coal Company. The town grew rapidly as the coal industry boomed, and many of the original buildings still stand today.

  1. Mahanoy City: The town's historic district features many well-preserved buildings from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the town's history through its architecture and local museums.

Shenandoah: The Heart of the Anthracite Region

Shenandoah was once known as the "Anthracite Capital of the World." The town's history is deeply tied to the coal industry, and it has a rich cultural heritage.

  1. Shenandoah: The town is home to several historic sites, including the Shenandoah Historical Society and the Anthracite Heritage Museum. Visitors can learn about the town's history and the role it played in the coal industry.

Ashland: The Pioneer Tunnel

Ashland is home to the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train, a popular tourist attraction that offers a unique look at the coal mining industry.

  1. Ashland: The Pioneer Tunnel offers guided tours of a real coal mine, as well as rides on a steam train that takes visitors through the scenic Mahanoy Mountain. The town itself has a rich history and many historic buildings to explore.

Mount Carmel: A Town with a View

Mount Carmel offers stunning views of the surrounding coal region. The town has a rich history and many historic sites to explore.

  1. Mount Carmel: The town's historic district features many well-preserved buildings from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the town's history through its architecture and local museums.

Tamaqua: A Town of Firsts

Tamaqua is known for its many "firsts" in the coal industry. The town has a rich history and many historic sites to explore.

  1. Tamaqua: The town is home to the Tamaqua Historical Society and the Anthracite Heritage Museum. Visitors can learn about the town's history and the role it played in the coal industry.

Weatherly: A Town with a Railroad History

Weatherly was founded by the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company and has a rich history tied to the railroad and coal industries.

  1. Weatherly: The town's historic district features many well-preserved buildings from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the town's history through its architecture and local museums.

The Legacy of Pennsylvania's Company Towns

Pennsylvania's company towns offer a unique glimpse into the past. These towns were built around coal mining and shaped by the industry. They tell stories of hard work, community, and resilience. Many of these towns still stand today, serving as reminders of a bygone era.

Exploring these towns can be a fascinating journey. You can see the old buildings, visit museums, and learn about the lives of the miners. It's a chance to connect with history and understand the impact of coal mining on the region.

Whether you're a history buff or just curious, Pennsylvania's company towns are worth a visit. They offer a rich tapestry of stories and experiences that you won't find anywhere else. So next time you're in the area, take some time to explore these hidden gems. You'll be glad you did.