Wales in Sanpete County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

First Coal Mine in Utah

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 3, 2018

1. First Coal Mine in Utah Marker

Inscription. In 1854, at Fort Ephraim, an Indian Tabiona, gave Pres. Brigham Young a black rock, saying “Heap burn.” Two Welsh coal miners, John Rees and John Price, were sent with the Indian to located the coal vein, which was found in Coal Canyon about 1 mile south and 1 1/2 miles west of this marker. Until 1860, Welsh pioneers were directed to settle near Coalbed (Wales) to develop the mine. In 1872, twelve coke ovens were erected. In 1875, a branch railroad line was extended from Nephi to ship the coal to market. It carried U.S. mail for all Sanpete Co.

Erected 1948 by Daughters of Utah Pioneers. (Marker Number 133.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 39° 29.24′ N, 111° 38.099′ W. Marker is in Wales, Utah, in Sanpete County. It is on State Street north of East 100 North, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wales UT 84667, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Central Utah Valleys. It is also in the American Mountain West

and in Colorado Plateau.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Moroni Fort and Bastion (approx. 3.6 miles away); ZCMI Building (approx.

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3.8 miles away); Ephraim Pioneer Cemetery (approx. 7.3 miles away); Spring City (approx. 7.4 miles away); William Ford House (approx. 7.4 miles away); Spring City Confectionery (approx. 7.4 miles away); Sandstrom's Pool and Dance Hall (approx. 7.4 miles away); Lyceum Theater (approx. 7.4 miles away).

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 3, 2018

2. First Coal Mine in Utah Marker

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 3, 2018

3. First Coal Mine in Utah Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 688 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 18, 2020, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.