Helper in Carbon County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Coal City
Photographed by Braden Orr, January 25, 2025
1. Coal City Marker
In 1885 Alfred Grames took up residence at Oak Springs Bench at the head of Gordon Creek, which was later to become Coal City.
In August of 1921 George Storres filed a petition to establish a townsite and to develop coal properties. The town was named Great Western.
During 1922, Eugene Andreini built a stone building to serve as the office for Great Western Mining. In 1925 it became the general store.
Jack Dempsey took up residence in 1923 and used the town for training. In his honor the town was renamed Dempsey City. In February of 1924 Dempsey decided not to invest in the coal industry. The citizens, upset by his decision, renamed the town Coal City.
The town began to decline during the Depression, and by 1940 was just another ghost town.
Erected 2009 by E Clampus Vitus - Matt Warner Chapter #1900.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Industry & Commerce • Sports. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.
Location. 39° 41.28′ N, 110° 51.345′ W. Marker is in Helper, Utah, in Carbon County. It can be reached from South 100 West south of Janet Street
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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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sweets Coal Company - Consumers - National (here, next to this marker); Liberty Fuel - Latuda, Utah (a few steps from this marker); Peerless / New Peerless (a few steps from this marker); Western Springs Canyon - Rains - Mutual (a few steps from this marker); WPA - PWA (within shouting distance of this marker); Helper Civic Auditorium (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The History of Big John (about 500 feet away); Heiner (1911-1937) (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helper.
Photographed by Braden Orr, January 25, 2025
2. Coal City Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2026, by Braden Orr of Helper, Utah. This page has been viewed 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2026, by Braden Orr of Helper, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
