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
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.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 36° 57.983′ N, 82° 56.03′ W. Marker

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is in Lynch, Kentucky, in Harlan County. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kentucky and in the Cumberland Plateau.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in 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

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lynch Colored High School - West Main High School (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Alexander Matthews (approx. 0.6 miles away); City Water Plant (approx. ¾ mile away); Coal Tipple (approx. ¾ mile away); Power House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Winifrede Mine Conveyor (approx. 0.8 miles away); History of Lynch (approx. 0.8 miles away); No. 31 Mine Shop (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lynch.

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

In Memory of the Black Coal Miner image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, August 3, 2016

2. In Memory of the Black Coal Miner

Auger - 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.

Former High School Building image. Click for full size.

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 522 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 23, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.