Twin Shaft Disaster Marker

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Pittston in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Twin Shaft Disaster

By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008

1. Twin Shaft Disaster Marker

Inscription. On June 28, 1896, fifty-eight men were killed in a massive cave-in of rock and coal here, in the Newton Coal Company's Twin Shaft Colliery. An investigative commission, appointed by the Governor, reported on Sept. 25. Although its safety recommendations would often be ignored, the disaster was a factor that led to a stronger unionization of this region under John Mitchell after 1900.

Erected 1992 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Location. 41° 20.493′ N, 75° 47.156′ W. Marker is in Pittston, Pennsylvania, in Luzerne County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Street and Union Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittston PA 18640, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. Pittston Fort (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Pittston Fort (approx. 0.8 miles away); Erie Railroad Co. v. Tompkins (approx. one mile away); Jenkins Fort (approx. one mile away); Jenkins' Fort (approx. one mile away); Workers in Greater Pittston's Garment Industry (approx. 1.5 miles away); Battle of Wyoming (approx. 2.2 miles away); Knox Mine Disaster (approx. 2.3 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Pittston.

By Craig Swain, July 25, 2008

2. Twin Shaft Disaster Marker

Also see . . .
1. Twin Shaft Disaster. A compilation of newspaper accounts of the disaster. (Submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. Twin Shaft Disaster - Behind the Marker. ExplorePAHistory.com (Submitted on July 20, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Credits. This page originally submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,600 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.