Port Griffith in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Knox Mine Disaster
On January 22, 1959, twelve men died in a tragic accident at the River Slope Mine near this site. The mine had been illegally excavated beneath the Susquehanna River at the direction of the Knox Coal Company. When the force of the ice-laden river broke the thin layer of rock, over ten billion gallons of water flowed through this and other mines. This disaster ended deep mining in much of the Wyoming Valley.
Erected 1999 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1848.
Location. 41° 18.796′ N, 75° 48.468′ W. Marker is in Port Griffith, Pennsylvania, in Luzerne County. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pittston PA 18640, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Tinsley Hall (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); John F. Kennedy (approx. 0.6 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named War Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Captain Ann Bernatitus (approx. 0.7 miles away); Battle of Wyoming (approx. ¾ mile away); Christopher Columbus (approx. 0.8 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. one mile away).
Also see . . .
1. Knox Mine Disaster. Underground Miners website entry:
Brief discussion of the disaster and some photos of the site today. A rusty rail car indicates the location at the shores of the Susquehanna. (Submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Knox Mine Disaster. Entry from Explore PA History places the disaster in a historical context. (Submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 8,379 times since then and 143 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 7, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on September 3, 2011.