Hawk's Nest Tunnel Disaster Marker

HMdb.org

THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE “Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”

Home — My Markers — Add A Marker — Marker Series — Links & Books — Forum — About Us

Word or Phrase

Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print

Ansted in Fayette County, West Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Hawk's Nest Tunnel Disaster

By Bernard Fisher, August 11, 2010

1. Hawk's Nest Tunnel Disaster Marker

Inscription. Construction of nearby tunnel, diverting waters of New R. through Gauley Mt. for hydroelectric power, resulted in state’s worst industrial disaster. Silica rock dust caused 109 admitted deaths in mostly black, migrant underground work force of 3,000 . Congressional hearing placed toil at 476 for 1930-35. Tragedy brought recognition of acute silicosis as occupational lung disease and compensation legislation to protect workers.

Erected by West Virginia Department of Culture and History. (Marker Number FA 1.)

Location. 38° 7.365′ N, 81° 7.691′ W. Marker is in Ansted, West Virginia, in Fayette County. Marker can be reached from Midland Trail (U.S. 60) 0.4 miles west of Short Street. Click for map. This marker is located at the Hawk's Nest overlook. Marker is in this post office area: Ansted WV 25812, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. Hawk’s Nest (within shouting distance of this marker); Salt Sand (approx. half a mile away); "Contentment" (approx. 1.2 miles away); Contentment (approx. 1.3 miles away); New Haven Veterans' Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Jackson's Mother (approx. 1.8 miles away); Westlake Cemetery (approx. 1.9 miles away); Tyree Tavern (approx. 2 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Ansted.

By Bernard Fisher, August 11, 2010

2. Hawk's Nest Tunnel Disaster Marker

Hawk's Nest Hydroeletric Project Photo, Click for full size

By Bernard Fisher, August 11, 2010

3. Hawk's Nest Hydroeletric Project

Credits. This page originally submitted on August 14, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,141 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 15, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia.