Postcard Showing Buxton Coal Bank in Shaft of #12 Mine, 1910

    Photograph inside Buxton #12 mine shows pieces of rock and coal that miners were working on moving circa 1910.
    Courtesy of State Historical Society of Iowa, 1910

    Description

    An unknown photographer captured this photograph inside Buxton #12 mine showing pieces of shale and coal that miners were working on moving in 1910. Miners entered the shaft with an empty cart and were paid based on the amount of coal that they brought out at the end of the work day. Miners had to separate the coal from the shale in the mine. Based on 1915 U.S. Census information, 97 percent of men who lived in Buxton that reported having a job said they worked as a coal miner.

    Source-Dependent Questions

    • Before students look at the document: Imagine what the inside of a coal mine might look like, describe what you think.
      After students view the document: Then look at the document and compare what you thought you would see to the actual picture. How are they the same? How are they different?
    • What challenges would coal miners face getting coal from this location to a railroad car?
    • How would coal mining change the land of Iowa?
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