NRHP Reference # 94001651 Designated NHLD October 12, 1994 Area 4 ha Year built 1883 | VLR # 092-0011-0284 Designated VLR March 19, 1997 Phone +1 276-945-2134 Added to NRHP 12 October 1994 | |
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Location Rt. 659, Reedsville Hollow Rd., Pocahontas, Virginia Address Centre St, Pocahontas, VA 24635, USA Hours Open today · 10AM–5PMWednesday10AM–5PMThursday10AM–5PMFriday10AM–5PMSaturday10AM–5PMSunday1–5PMMondayClosedTuesdayClosedSuggest an edit Similar Historic Crab Orchard, Pocahontas Fuel Company, Back of the Dragon, Phillips‑Sprague Mine, Pinnacle Rock State Park | ||
Tour of the pocahontas exhibition coal mine
Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine, also known as Pocahontas Mine No. 1, or Baby Mine, is an inactive coal mine in the Pocahontas Coalfield, near Pocahontas in western Virginia. The mine was the first in the sub-bituminous coal of the Pocahontas Coalfield, opening in 1882. In 1938 it became the first exhibition coal mine in the United States. Uniquely, it was possible to drive one's automobile through the mine, entering through the fan opening and exiting through the original entry. The practice continued until 1970, when it was discontinued due to damage to the roof of the mine from car exhaust.
The site is also notable for its history of coke production on site for transportation by rail to steel mills. Pocahontas coal was especially suitable for coking, and played a significant role in the industrial development of the United States. Coke and coal were shipped by rail to Norfolk, Virginia for trans-shipment to eastern US ports and overseas. Coking on the site was eventually discontinued, and the mine spoil pile now covers all but three beehive coking ovens.
This mine, when active, supplied the United States Navy a majority of its coal through both world wars. Its smokeless quality allowed ships to go undetected from distances, thus giving the Navy an advantage over enemies. By the end of the second world war, coal in the "baby mine" was waning. Technology was advancing and reducing the number of miners required to do the work and allowed for the creation of the exhibition mine. In 1955 mining ceased in Pocahontas altogether.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994.