Near Orangeville in Emery County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Black Diamond & Oliphant Coal Mines
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, July 7, 2023
1. Black Diamond & Oliphant Coal Mines Marker
In recognition of the labors of the early coal miners and their contributions to Emery County:
Black Diamond & Oliphant Coal Mines
These two mines, located nearby, are representative of early Utah coal mines. Production at the two family-operated mines began around the turn of the century and ended when coal markets sagged following World War II. Coal was dug from the ground using hand drills, black powder, shovels, and the aid of a reliable horse or mule. Horse-drawn wagons hauled the coal to communities in Emery County and over the mountains to Sanpete County. By the 1930's trucks and machinery had replaced some of the hand labor, but the work remained difficult and dirty. These hardworking miners helped fuel the transition from the pioneer days to the modern era.
The mine sites were reclaimed in 1983 by the Utah Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program in the Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Utah coal producers and the U.S. Forest Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1983.
Location. 39° 16.473′ N, 111° 12.351′ W.
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Regionally, this marker is in Canyon Country. It is also in the American Mountain West, in Colorado Plateau, and at the Four Corners. 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Public Building in Orangeville (approx. 8.7 miles away); Old Social Hall (approx. 8.8 miles away); First Settlers in Castle Dale (approx. 11.2 miles away); Huntington (approx. 11.7 miles away); Ferron Academy (approx. 13.1 miles away); Ferron Pioneers (approx. 13.2 miles away).
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, July 7, 2023
2. Black Diamond & Oliphant Coal Mines Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 450 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 6, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
