Ansted in Fayette County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Hawk's Nest Tunnel Disaster

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 11, 2010

1. Hawk's Nest Tunnel Disaster Marker

Inscription. Construction of nearby tunnel, diverting waters of New R. through Gauley Mt. for hydroelectric power, resulted in state’s worst industrial disaster. Silica rock dust caused 109 admitted deaths in mostly black, migrant underground work force of 3,000. Congressional hearing placed toll at 476 for 1930-35. Tragedy brought recognition of acute silicosis as occupational lung disease and compensation legislation to protect workers.

Erected by West Virginia Department of Culture and History. (Marker Number FA 1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Bridges & Viaducts • Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.

Location. 38° 7.365′ N, 81° 7.691′ W. Marker is in Ansted, West Virginia, in Fayette County. It can be reached from Midland Trail (U.S. 60) 0.4 miles west of Short Street. This marker is located at the Hawk's Nest overlook. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ansted WV 25812, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the New River Gorge

and in Greater Charleston Area.

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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hawk’s Nest (within shouting distance of this marker); Hawk’s Nest Tunnel

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Salt Sand (approx. half a mile away); "Contentment" (approx. 1.2 miles away); a different marker also named Contentment (approx. 1.3 miles away); New Haven Veterans' Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Jackson's Mother (approx. 1.8 miles away); Hawks Nest Strike (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ansted.

Additional keywords. workers rights, labor rights

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 11, 2010

2. Hawk's Nest Tunnel Disaster Marker

Hawk's Nest Hydroeletric Project image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, August 11, 2010

3. Hawk's Nest Hydroeletric Project

Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,008 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 15, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.