(276) 945-2134 - (276) 945-9904(fax)



Step into the historic Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine; listen as guides explain the story of mining the famous Pocahontas Number Three coal, and how the hand-loading era of the industry slowly succumbed to mechanization, and how the coal produced the energy which made this country great.


 

  • Designated as a National Historic Landmark
  • Virginia's official Coal Heritage Zone
  • First Mine in the Pocahontas Coalfield
  • Opened in 1882
  • Spectacular 13 foot tall coal seam
  • Mine operated for 73 years
  • Produced more than 44 million tons of coal
  • Coal produced would fill a train 6,000 miles long
  • World famous Pocahontas Coal heated homes across America
  • Chosen fuel of American Navy





Over 1 million visitors
have toured the historic cavernous driftmouth.

History of Pocahontas || Historic Walking Tour || Schedule of Events || Location || Links
Southern WV || WVWEB

History of Pocahontas

Any history of Pocahontas, Virginia must necessarily be a history of the Pocahontas Coal Field. As early as 1860, coal was used in a blacksmith shop. The seam used was 13 feet thick.


The Southwest Improvement Company opened the first mine in Pocahontas in 1882. The name Pocahontas was chosen in honor of the Indian princess who had saved the life of Captain John Smith. The first company store was built in 1883 by the coal company (presently the Foodline). Company houses and boarding houses were also constructed for the miners and their families. Many immigrants of Hungarian, Welsh, Russian, Polish, Italian, German, and Irish descent, along with people of many other countries, came to work in the coal fields.

The town also boasts of an opera house built in 1895, and which featured many first-run Broadway shows.

Just outside of town, the Pocahontas Operators Association reserved 875 feet of the original coal seam as an exhibit so that people could see the old methods of coal mining by hand loading. The Exhibition Mine is open from April through October 31st. Even though the population has decreased to less than 500, the history stored in and around Pocahontas still draws visitors to our area. The people who live here today are more than willing to regale visitors with anecdotes of family and town history. Their friendliness and hospitality are living testimony to the legacy of graciousness passed on to them by the generations of people who have gone before them.

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Walking Tour of Historic Pocahontas


Laurel Meadows Park- Features 7-acre park with 1/2 mile walkway, Norfolk and Western Caboose, pavillions and playground equipment. Perfect for family reunions.

Silver Dollar Saloon (1884)Cricket- One of the twenty-three saloons in Old Pocahontas.

Opera House and Old Town Hall (1895)- Many first-run Broadway shows were featured in the Opera House.

Jewish Synagogue- Built in early 1900's, this building reflects the rich European culture found throughout the coal fields.

Masonic Lodge (1883)- This Lodge was founded by the pioneer men of Old Pocahontas.

Emma Yates Memorial Library (1987)- Once the home and milliner shop of Miss Emma Yates (1869-1954).

Old Company Store (1883)- Original coal mining company store where miners purchased all supplies and script.

First School House (Log Cabin)- Original Log Cabin built in 1884 by the Episcopalians for the first school house.

Saint Elizabeth's Catholic Church (1896)- Ten life-size murals are painted on the ceiling and walls of the church.

Pocahontas Exhibition Mine and Museum- When opened in 1938, it was the only exhibition mine in the nation. Today, the mine is open daily from April through September; Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m.-5p.m., Sunday: Noon -6 p.m. for walking tours.

Admissions

  • Tours of Mine and Educational Room $7.00-Adults, $4.50-Children 6-12, Children under 6-Free; Museum Free
  • AAA Discounts available
  • Group Tour Discounts Available/Night Group Tours Available
  • Walking Tours of Historic Pocahontas — Advance Arrangements must be made.

    Call for Details!

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Schedule of Events

Exhibition Mine and Museum official seasonal opening ceremonies -- Last Saturday in April. Tickets sold 1/2 off! Free Food and Entertainment!

Pocahontas Indian Run 5 mile race -- Last Saturday in April

Pocahontas Indian Walk 3 miles -- Last Saturday in April

Papoose Run (for children 6-12) -- Last Saturday in April

Coal Miners Candlelight Memorial Ceremony (Honor Coal Miner Killed During Explosion) -- Last Saturday in April

Veteran Day Parade -- Last Monday in May

Coal Miners Reunion -- Labor Day

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Location

For More information or Brochures Write or Call:

Town of Pocahontas
Centre Street
Post Office Box 128
Pocahontas, Virginia 24635-0128

(276) 945-2134
or (276) 945-9522
(276) 945 - 9904(fax)

Email: pocahontasva@comcast.net

Favorite Links

Pocahontas High School

Tazewell County Virginia

Town of Pocahontas, We Are Open For Business

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