Wamac in Marion County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Centralia Coal Company Mine No. 5 Disaster

Photographed By Jason Voigt, February 24, 2021

1. Centralia Coal Company Mine No. 5 Disaster Marker

Inscription. On March 25, 1947 a violent explosion struck Centralia Coal Company Mine No. 5 located in Wamac, Illinois. By March 29, it was confirmed that the explosion, combined with the subsequent release of poisonous gas, had taken the lives of 111 of the 142 men working in the mine at the time of the accident.

The disaster focused state and national attention on known hazardous conditions existing both at Mine No. 5 and the coal mining industry as a whole. Ultimately, the result was passage of new mine safety regulations for the industry.

This marker is dedicated in memory of the miners who lost their lives in this tragedy.

Erected 1991 by Illinois State Historical Society and the City of Wamac.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 25, 1947.

Location. 38° 30.14′ N, 89° 8.306′ W. Marker is in Wamac, Illinois, in Marion County. Marker can be reached from Wabash Avenue north of Hudson Avenue. Marker is located in Wamac City Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 119 Wabash Ave, Centralia IL 62801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured

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as the crow flies. The Third Principal Meridian (approx. 2 miles away); Illinois Agricultural College (approx. 4.4 miles away); Medal of Honor (approx. 5.1 miles away); Veterans Tribute (approx. 5.1 miles away); Legends live Forever (approx. 5.2 miles away); Village Fire Bell (approx. 8.2 miles away); Hoyleton (approx. 8.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 13.3 miles away).

Also see . . . 1947 Centralia mine disaster on Wikipedia. (Submitted on February 26, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed By Jason Voigt, February 24, 2021

2. Centralia Coal Company Mine No. 5 Disaster Marker

Marker is mounted on the Miners' Memorial wall.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, February 24, 2021

3. Centralia Coal Company Mine No. 5 Disaster Marker

Located in Wamac City Park

Centralia Coal Company Mine No. 5 Disaster victims plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, February 24, 2021

4. Centralia Coal Company Mine No. 5 Disaster victims plaque

Next to the marker

Nearby memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, February 24, 2021

5. Nearby memorial

Behind the wall (where the marker is placed) is this memorial wall with bricks of the names of the victims of the No. 5 Centralia mining disaster.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 936 times since then and 185 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 26, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.