Midlothian in Chesterfield County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
You Have Not Been Forgotten
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 2, 2026
1. You Have Not Been Forgotten Marker
To them and the many others who perished in Midlothian's coal mines
May they Rest In Peace
Erected 2025 by Mark and Susan Goodin, Chesterfield Parks & Recreation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Disasters • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is February 3, 1882.
Location. 37° 29.423′ N, 77° 38.613′ W. Marker is in Midlothian, Virginia, in Chesterfield County. It can be reached from North Woolridge Road half a mile south of Midlothian Turnpike (U.S. 60), on the left when traveling south. Marker is in Midlothian Mines Park next to the the multi-use trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 13301 North Woolridge Road, Midlothian VA 23114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Piedmont, in Central Virginia, and in the Richmond Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mid-Lothian Mines and Rail Roads (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Mid-Lothian Mines and Rail Roads (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Mid-Lothian Mines and Rail Roads (about 500
this page online
Regarding You Have Not Been Forgotten. The 32 men killed in the 1882 explosion are still entombed within the mine.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 2, 2026
2. You Have Not Been Forgotten Marker
The monument, shown here, is in front of the retaining wall used to stabilize the slope for miner entry. The entrance to the mine shaft, closed as part of remediation in the 2010s, is on top of the berm formed by the retaining wall and out of view to the right. The ruins are the ventilation building (or "fan building" on company maps) that held machinery for circulating fresh air into the mine, as well as machinery for extraction operations. Much of the dry-laid (no mortar) building, constructed between 1835 and 1870, has collapsed and frame additions from the 20th century revival of the site are evidenced only by concrete machinery footings on the south side of the site. The Grove Shaft itself extends well to the west underground in a complex system of flooded tunnels.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, January 2, 2026
3. You Have Not Been Forgotten Marker
Monument is shown in profile view at left. Fan Building ruins are evident, as is the retaining wall for the slope (mines in the 19th century were typically located in a slope to permit shallow entrances to the underground). The entrance to the shaft is the dark, overgrown depression just visible to the far right of the frame, in line with the break in the stone retaining wall. The mine shaft is now sealed and is not readily visible to visitors. This view is from a camera lens shoved through the slits in the fence around the site and zoomed in; this represents a closer look than can be had with the naked eye from the fenceline.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 39 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 1, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
