The history of coal in Puget Sound is tied to the development and expansion of the railroad in the West. Locomotives burned coal, and coal, which is heavy and bulky, could not be transported without the railroad. These two industries grew together in the region, the health of each enabling the growth of both. One the largest mines in the region was in what is now Newcastle, at Coal Creek. Coal was discovered there in 1863, and by 1876 the mines produced 400 tons of coal a day and employed 250 men. At one time the mines at Newcastle contributed to 20% of the coal consumed on the Pacific Coast.
This image of miners posing at Coal Creek was taken during the height of coal production. Most of the men are wearing hats with lamps attached, and holding pick axes and other mining equipment.
Handwritten on image: Photo By Allen & Perkins, Georgetown, Wn. Coal Creek, Wn., March 12th 15.
Caption information source: "Coal in the Puget Sound Region," by Laura McCarty, HistoryLink.org Essay 5158. Caption information source: http://www.ghosttownsofwashington.com/coal-creek.html
Physical Description: 1 photographic print : b&w ; 27.5 x 8 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
