Mapping Mine Memorials

Coal Mining Memorials of Southwest Virginia and East Kentucky

This website is dedicated to mapping the various mine memorials of Southwestern Virginia and Eastern Kentucky. This area, frequently called the coalfields, is known for its rich history in the production of coal.

With a deeply complex history, filled with both triumphs and tragedies, it is no real surprise that these memorials depict a wide variety of subjects, from the coal companies themselves to mining disasters that claimed many lives.

While looking at these memorials, perhaps think of who or what they memorialize and consider the motivations behind each memorial. By doing this, we may come away with a better understanding of the complex history of coal mining.