Midlothian Coal Mines
Posted by: 
johnjm99
N 37° 30.145 W 077° 38.863
18S E 265953 N 4153903
Oldest coal mines in America
Waymark Code: WM8A2
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 03/03/2006
Views: 26
South of here are the Midlothian Coal Mines, probably the oldest coal mines in America. Coal was first mined here before 1730, and during the Revolution, coal from these mines supplied the canon foundry at Westham. The first railroad in Virginia was built from the Midlothian mines to the town of Manchester in 1831. The mines produced coal that was used in casting cannon at the Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond during the Civil War. Mining operations ceased in 1923.
Marker Number: O 35
Marker Title: Midlothian Coal Mines
Marker Location: Midlothian Turnpike - US Rte 60
County or Independent City: Chesterfield
Marker Program Sponsor: Department of Conservation and Historic Resources, 1987
Web Site: Not listed
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