The coal seams of the New River Gorge (and Glade Creek, Piney Creek, etc.) were all of the "easiest" seams to get at using drift or auger mining, hence the first seams to be mined out. I think back as a kid in the early 70s wandering around these areas and there was little trace of the mining. Even where they had stripped, the high walls had been covered over by trees and vegetation. By the age of the trees, I would guess the last mining for all intents and purposes was done probably around the late 30s.
1) the two primary seams in the gorge were the Sewell and the Fire Creek, named after those two locations in the gorge! 2) The mining started just after the Civil War. These were not the easiest, because the rank of the coal meant they were very gassy. The real reason they were mined first was the new railroad. 3) The last two major mines were Layland no 3 (as I recall) where the Fire Creek was mined (I collected samples in that mine) and a small mine across Marr’s Branch from county route 82 in the Sewell. Both were active while the bridge was being built. I was chief of a field party from the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey Coal Resources and Pollution Potential Program during most of that time in the 1970s and watched the bridge being built from start to dedication.
@@corneliuswowbagger There might have been a few small, "independent" mining companies doing some work during the high coal prices of the 70s but no large production by the big players.
My mom was born in Nuttleburg, she left in 1948
Great video definitely want to go see this
Very interesting video! Fantastic shots! I plan on going there someday soon.
Thank you! I highly recommend.
The coal seams of the New River Gorge (and Glade Creek, Piney Creek, etc.) were all of the "easiest" seams to get at using drift or auger mining, hence the first seams to be mined out. I think back as a kid in the early 70s wandering around these areas and there was little trace of the mining. Even where they had stripped, the high walls had been covered over by trees and vegetation. By the age of the trees, I would guess the last mining for all intents and purposes was done probably around the late 30s.
1) the two primary seams in the gorge were the Sewell and the Fire Creek, named after those two locations in the gorge! 2) The mining started just after the Civil War. These were not the easiest, because the rank of the coal meant they were very gassy. The real reason they were mined first was the new railroad. 3) The last two major mines were Layland no 3 (as I recall) where the Fire Creek was mined (I collected samples in that mine) and a small mine across Marr’s Branch from county route 82 in the Sewell. Both were active while the bridge was being built. I was chief of a field party from the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey Coal Resources and Pollution Potential Program during most of that time in the 1970s and watched the bridge being built from start to dedication.
@@corneliuswowbagger There might have been a few small, "independent" mining companies doing some work during the high coal prices of the 70s but no large production by the big players.
Next time I’m in WV....... definitely.
how did you legally fly a drone in this (then) national recreation area ?
Same way you fly it anywhere else
@@daffyduck9901 well daffy, it's illegal to do so in a national park, so it's not the same way you fly anywhere else
Thanks......I may need to visit myself