Clay in Webster County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
1917 Coal Mine Explosion
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2021
1. 1917 Coal Mine Explosion Marker (Side A)
On Aug. 4, 1917 about 7:40 AM an explosion in the West Kentucky Coal Company's #7 mine shattered the community of Clay. The worst mine disaster in state history was caused by methane gas and an opened-flame headlamp. At the time of the explosion miners were on strike, protesting low wages and dangerous working conditions.
Many miners killed were African Americans from the South, employed as strike breakers. Poor record keeping & body condition impaired identification of many of the miners. 153 men were underground. 62 men died. 29 of 47 men identified were buried in unmarked graves in nearby Rock Springs. The #7 mine was located 1.5 miles northwest of Clay.
Erected 2019 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2579.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 4, 1917.
Location. 37° 28.566′ N, 87° 49.235′
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2021
2. 1917 Coal Mine Explosion Marker (Side B)
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Forrest Reconnoitered (approx. 6.6 miles away); Kentucky Authors (approx. 7½ miles away); County Named, 1860 (approx. 7.7 miles away); Webster County Courthouse (approx. 7.7 miles away); Bell Mines (approx. 10.1 miles away); The Robert E. Lee Won with Sturgis Coal (approx. 10.2 miles away); Richards Home Site (approx. 10.2 miles away); Frontier Justice (approx. 10.4 miles away).
Also see . . . 1917 Coal Mine Explosion. Kentucky Historical Society's ExploreKYHistory website entry (Submitted on April 27, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2021
3. 1917 Coal Mine Explosion Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 825 times since then and 220 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
