Although the mining trade was not the largest profession in Southwestern Pennsylvania from 1760-1860 (Boat Building and Glass Making). It is the most enduring. When shipbuilding reigned supreme, it took coal to forge iron to build and then run them. At the time Pittsburgh became the “steel city” it took coal and coke to run the furnaces. Coal mines were numerous in the local vicinity.
The coal mining room covers the progression of the coal trade, its process and expansion west. Multiple tools and photographs are on display to educate and preserve this segment of local history. The room is dedicated to William “Bits” Jenkins, a local coal mine official, who donated dioramas and artifacts.
