Lynch in Harlan County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
To Honor the Black Coal Miners
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 3, 2016
1. To Honor the Black Coal Miners Plaque
Inscription.
To Honor the Black Coal Miners. .
To Honor the Black Coal Miners and Keep Their Legacy Alive. The Black Coal Miner was recruited by International Harvester and U.S. Steel to work and live in the coal camps of Benham and Lynch. They came in search of a better life, better schools, medical care, improved housing and a living wage. Many died on duty, many were physically disabled from accidents but many live on today and we thank them for giving us hope in the mountains. Once in the coal mines, the black miners quickly gained work skills which included the safe and effective use of explosives, proper ventilation of work areas and property roof support procedures. Despite the hazards of mining and economic penalties such as being short weighed at the scales, black coal miners saw life and work in coal towns as opportunities for themselves and their families. It is with love and respect we honor you. (T. Wagner, P. Obermiller, W. Turner, C. Sundy) The plaque to the left will provide a listing of the items on the sign below with a brief description.
To Honor the Black Coal Miners
and Keep Their Legacy Alive
The Black Coal Miner was recruited by International Harvester and U.S. Steel to work and live in the coal camps of Benham and Lynch. They came in search of a better life, better schools, medical care, improved housing and a living wage. Many died on duty, many were physically disabled from accidents but many live on today and we thank them for giving us hope in the mountains. Once in the coal mines, the black miners quickly gained work skills which included the safe and effective use of explosives, proper ventilation of work areas and property roof support procedures. Despite the hazards of mining and economic penalties such as being short weighed at the scales, black coal miners saw life and work in coal towns as opportunities for themselves and their families. It is with love and respect we honor you. (T. Wagner, P. Obermiller, W. Turner, C. Sundy)
The plaque to the left will provide a listing of the items on the sign below with a brief description.
is in Lynch, Kentucky, in Harlan County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of State Highway 6 and Pirate Way, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lynch KY 40855, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. The sign was produced by Hatfield’s Sign Shop, and the artwork was done by Elaine Conradi.
Additional commentary. 1. Items on the Sign The plaque at the upper left corner lists the items on the large sign. The items, from top left counterclockwise, are: Safety Lamp - detected methane gas and black damp; Safety Cap - it had a flame light which was fueled by carbide; Lunch Bucket - the top part contained food and the bottom contained water; Motor Car - used to haul coal and miners out of the mine; Coal Miner - shoveling coal on the cart; Breast Auger
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 3, 2016
2. In Memory of the Black Coal Miner
- used to drill holes in the coal to shoot it down; Canary - was very sensitive to gas and it would warn of high levels by dying; Automobile - drive by “Limestone”, the man who transported many blacks to Kentucky from Alabama.
— Submitted August 23, 2016.
Photographed By Duane Hall, August 3, 2016
3. Former High School Building
Marker at southwest corner of building
Credits. This page was last revised on August 23, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 281 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 23, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
