Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine

Infobox_nrhp | name =Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine
nrhp_type = nhld


caption =
location= Rt. 659, Reedsville Hollow Rd., Pocahontas, Virginia
lat_degrees = 37
lat_minutes = 18
lat_seconds = 29
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 81
long_minutes = 20
long_seconds = 59
long_direction = W
locmapin = Virginia
area =
built =1883
architect=
architecture=
designated= October 12, 1994cite web|url=http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1287&ResourceType=Site
title=Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine |accessdate=2008-04-23|work=National Historic Landmark summary listing|publisher=National Park Service]
added = October 12, 1994cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2007-01-23|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]
governing_body = Private
refnum=94001651

Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine, also known as Pocahontas Mine No. 1, or Baby Mine, is an inactive coal mine in the Pocahontas coalfield. 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 mine continues to be open to the public, and a tour of the mine is a requirement for graduation from high school in Tazewell County.

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 by three beehive coking ovens. citation|title=PDFlink| [http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NHLS/Text/94001651.pdf National Historic Landmark Nomination: Pocahontas Mine No. 1 / Baby Mine/Pocahontas Exhibition Mine] |32 KB|date=October 22, 1993 |author=John W. Bond |publisher=National Park Service and PDFlink| [http://pdfhost.focus.nps.gov/docs/NHLS/Photos/94001651.pdf "Accompanying three photos, from 1993"] |32 KB]

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994.citation|title=PDFlink| [http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Counties/Tazewell/092-0011-0284_Pocahontas_Exhibition_Coal_Mine_1994_Final_Nomination-1.pdf National Historic Landmark Nomination: Pocahontas Mine No. 1 / Baby Mine/Pocahontas Exhibition Mine] |32 KB|date=October 22, 1993 |author=John W. Bond |publisher=National Park Service (this version at Virginia DHR includes topographical map identifying mine location)]

ee also

*Pocahontas Historic District

References

External links

* [http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Counties/Tazewell/PocMineNo1_photo.htm Pocahontas Mine No. 1, Tazewell County, one photo at Virginia DHR]
* [http://www.coalwoodwestvirginia.com/pocahontas_exhibition_mine.htm Pocahontas Exhibition Mine]