Port Griffith in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Knox Mine Disaster
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
1. Knox Mine Disaster Marker
On January 22, 1959, twelve men died in a tragic accident at the River Slope Mine near this site. The mine had been illegally excavated beneath the Susquehanna River at the direction of the Knox Coal Company. When the force of the ice-laden river broke the thin layer of rock, over ten billion gallons of water flowed through this and other mines. This disaster ended deep mining in much of the Wyoming Valley.
Erected 1999 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 22, 1959.
Location. 41° 18.796′ N, 75° 48.468′ W. Marker is in Port Griffith, Pennsylvania, in Luzerne County. It is on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittston PA 18640, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region, in the Wyoming Valley, and in Greater Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tinsley Hall (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); John F. Kennedy (approx. 0.6 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named War Memorial
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Knox Mine Disaster. Underground Miners website entry:
Brief discussion of the disaster and some photos of the site today. A rusty rail car indicates the location at the shores of the Susquehanna. (Submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Knox Mine Disaster. Entry from Explore PA History places the disaster in a historical context. (Submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
via Underground Miners, 1959
2. Knox Mine Disaster
At around 11:30 AM on January 22, 1959, the Susquehanna river broke through the thin rock roof of the River Slope Mine, Knox Coal Company. The hole became an estimated 150 feet in diameter, funneling in 10 million gallons of water and ice like a bathtub drain.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
3. Knox Mine Disaster Marker and Monument
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
4. Knox Mine Disaster Memorial
Surviving miners
and those men entombed in the
Knox Mine
Disaster
Jan. 22, 1959
Samuel Altieri
John Baloga
Benjamin Boyer
Francis Burns
Charles Featherman
Joseph Gizenski
Dominick Koveleski
Eugene Ostroski
Frank Orlowski
William Sinclair
Donald Stefanides
Herman Zelonis
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 25, 2008
5. World War II Memorial
Standing just a few feet north of the marker
In grateful tribute to the living and the dead for their valiant efforts and great sacrifices we nobly dedicate this memorial
May the almighty God grant that the liberty of mankind which only brave souls win and vigilance can guard shall live on for ages to come.
In grateful tribute to the living and the dead for their valiant efforts and great sacrifices we nobly dedicate this memorial
May the almighty God grant that the liberty of mankind which only brave souls win and vigilance can guard shall live on for ages to come.
September 3, 2011
6. Eagle Air Shaft Marker
This marker is located along the Luzerne County Rail Trail walking/biking path. 41.3132N,75.81193W
September 3, 2011
7. Eagle Air Shaft Marker
Eagle Air Shaft
Escape shaft for 33 men
Knox Mine Disaster
January 22, 1959
September 3, 2011
8. Knox Mine Disaster Site Marker
This marker is located along the Luzerne County Rail Trail walking/biking path. 41.31308N,75.81276W
September 3, 2011
9. Knox Mine Disaster Site Marker
The Knox Mine Disaster occurred on this spot Jan. 22, 1959 Twelve men died
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 10,497 times since then and 324 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 7, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on September 3, 2011.
