Helper in Carbon County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Spring Canyon Coal Company
Photographed by Braden Orr, January 25, 2025
1. Spring Canyon Coal Company Marker
The town of Spring Canyon, or Storrs as it was originally called, was the site of the first coal mine in Spring Canyon. A small mine was worked in Sowbelly Gulch by Teancum Pratt beginning about 1895, then in 1912 "Uncle" Jesse Knight purchased the mine and hired George Storrs to develop the operation. By 1913 a railroad was completed from Helper, 60 stone houses, a store, hotel and hospital had been built for the miners and the mine was extracting coal. By 1914 the mine was producing about 1,000 tons per day. In 1924 the town was renamed Spring Canyon and sported a modern water and sewer system, heated swimming pool and tennis courts. By 1940 the Spring Canyon Mine was ranked as the fourth largest coal producer in the state. In 1947 the town reached its height with a population of over 1,000. In early 1970 the mine was completely closed, the last 37 miners were unemployed and the town was abandoned.
Erected 2009 by E Clampus Vitus - Matt Warner Chapter #1900.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list.
Location. 39° 41.184′ N, 110° 51.339′
this page online
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: Standardville (here, next to this marker); Heiner (1911-1937) (here, next to this marker); Helper Senior Citizens Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Helper's Rich History (about 300 feet away); Standardville "Bandstand" (about 300 feet away); Helper Main Post Office (about 400 feet away); 80 South Main Street (about 400 feet away); Helper City (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helper.
Photographed by Braden Orr, January 25, 2025
2. Spring Canyon Coal Company Marker
courtesy University of Colorado Boulder Archives
3. Aerial view of Spring Canyon, Utah
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 53 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 9, 2026, by Braden Orr of Helper, Utah. 3. submitted on January 13, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
