Description

Though lumbering, ice cutting, textile and silk mills would experience great growth during this period, none could approach the expansion of King Coal. Pennsylvania coal accounted for over 57% of the coal taken in the U.S. Combined with its shipment by rail, it fueled the national industrial revolution. Heat and fuel were in great demand and coal fueled both. Immigrants played a major role in supplying the labor need for our burgeoning industries. Unfortunately, the labor conditions were poor at best and criminal at worst. Children worked in the silk mills, factories, and the coal mines often suffering health problems and, sometimes, death.

Questions

1. Since we are located in Black Diamond country, what is the difference between bituminous and anthracite? Why is anthracite preferable?
2. We were located within 300 miles of over 50% of the U.S. population during this time period. How would we get the coal to them? Name several ways and companies that offered services to the American population.
3. Why were young boys working in the breakers and girls toiling in the mills? How much were they paid then? What would that be in today's value?
4. New immigrants were coming. How had the immigrant movement changed—that is, what countries were many immigrants coming from after the Civil War? What did they bring with them that posed challenges in America?
5. What effect did the Lattimer strike have on the organization of the coal miner's union?
6. What other unions were located here in the valley?
7. Why were unions important to those who labored?
8. Who were our industrial leaders? Find five names and the industries represented. What was the effect of those industries on our area?
9. The Nesbitts, Conynghams, Stegmaiers, Kirbys, and Parrish played important roles in the development of our valley.
10. How did technology and new inventions help further industrial growth?
11. How did transportation change?
12. What did the valley residents do for entertainment? Name several establishments and what they provided.
13. What disasters struck the valley during this time period?
14. What happened at the Avondale? How were mining laws changed because of that tragedy? What other disasters occurred in the valley?
15. Dig deeper and read further about the Twin Shaft disaster.

Additional Resources

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