Historic Tour Of Mid-lothian Mines Is May 2

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA – On Saturday, May 2, there will be a sign-dedication ceremony for the new interpretive signs at Mid-Lothian Mines and Rail Roads Park, followed by guided tours and demonstrations by costumed interpreters. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m., followed by the other activities from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about one of the earliest coal mining operations in North America. From 1703 to 1942, Chesterfield County’s coal mines generated wealth, employment and prosperity in Midlothian, and shaped the history of the county. The walking tour covers moderate to easy terrain and the event will take place rain or shine. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The tour begins at the Mid-Lothian Mines Park, 13301 North Woolridge Road. Parking for the event will be at the Midlothian Library located at 521 Coalfield Road, and a shuttle service will transport visitors to and from the site. For more information, call 751-4946. The History of Coal Mines in Chesterfield County: The Mid-Lothian Coal Mines and Rail Roads Park was created in 2004 to preserve and interpret the vast coal mining history in Chesterfield County. The park was the site of the Mid-Lothian Coal Mining Company that opened in 1835 with four shafts, the Pump, Wood, Sinking and Grove. The first commercially mined coal in North America came from the Midlothian area. Coal mining quickly emerged as Chesterfield’s most important industry, leading to the development of the first railroad, known as the Chesterfield Railroad. The railroad was a gravity-fed rail line powered by the mules that transported coal from the mines in Midlothian to the wharves at Manchester. The enormous traffic of wagons loaded with coal prompted the establishment of the first surfaced road in Virginia, known as the Midlothian Turnpike. The rich coal deposits in this region were part of a 150 square-mile area known as the Richmond Coal Basin. Coal was extensively used at Westham Foundry during the Revolutionary War to produce cannons and ammunition for the Continental Army. During the Civil War, these fossil fuels were used at Bellona Foundry and Tredegar Ironworks to produce ordinance and rails to support the Confederacy. After the fall of Richmond, Union troops moved into the area and occupied the site to prevent the production of more ordinances for the Confederate forces. Coal mining in the area declined after the Civil War due to loss of slave labor and improved production of cleaner coal in the Appalachian Mountains. Most of the mines were abandoned in the 1920s. The last coal mining operation closed down in 1940. # # #

April 5, 2009; 8:00 PM • by Scott

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA – On Saturday, May 2, there will be a sign-dedication ceremony for the new interpretive signs at Mid-Lothian Mines and Rail Roads Park, followed by guided tours and demonstrations by costumed interpreters. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m., followed by the other activities from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

This is a unique opportunity to learn more about one of the earliest coal mining operations in North America. From 1703 to 1942, Chesterfield County’s coal mines generated wealth, employment and prosperity in Midlothian, and shaped the history of the county.

The walking tour covers moderate to easy terrain and the event will take place rain or shine. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The tour begins at the Mid-Lothian Mines Park, 13301 North Woolridge Road.

Parking for the event will be at the Midlothian Library located at 521 Coalfield Road, and a shuttle service will transport visitors to and from the site. For more information, call 751-4946.

The History of Coal Mines in Chesterfield County:

The Mid-Lothian Coal Mines and Rail Roads Park was created in 2004 to preserve and interpret the vast coal mining history in Chesterfield County. The park was the site of the Mid-Lothian Coal Mining Company that opened in 1835 with four shafts, the Pump, Wood, Sinking and Grove. The first commercially mined coal in North America came from the Midlothian area. Coal mining quickly emerged as Chesterfield’s most important industry, leading to the development of the first railroad, known as the Chesterfield Railroad. The railroad was a gravity-fed rail line powered by the mules that transported coal from the mines in Midlothian to the wharves at Manchester. The enormous traffic of wagons loaded with coal prompted the establishment of the first surfaced road in Virginia, known as the Midlothian Turnpike.

The rich coal deposits in this region were part of a 150 square-mile area known as the Richmond Coal Basin. Coal was extensively used at Westham Foundry during the Revolutionary War to produce cannons and ammunition for the Continental Army. During the Civil War, these fossil fuels were used at Bellona Foundry and Tredegar Ironworks to produce ordinance and rails to support the Confederacy. After the fall of Richmond, Union troops moved into the area and occupied the site to prevent the production of more ordinances for the Confederate forces. Coal mining in the area declined after the Civil War due to loss of slave labor and improved production of cleaner coal in the Appalachian Mountains. Most of the mines were abandoned in the 1920s. The last coal mining operation closed down in 1940.

# # #

April 5, 2009 8:00 PM 0