Explore the History of the West Virginia Coal Miners

West Virginia has a deep and rich history in the coal mining industry. It is from West Virginia has kept a good deal of America warm through some mighty cold winters. But so much of America has no knowledge of what mining entails today and what it entailed in the past. It is such an important part of our history, that everyone should take the time to learn about it. And taking a trip though the county is the perfect way to learn and have a great time doing it. You can do the trip in one day, but there is so much to see, try to make a weekend out of it and get the full experience of the Coal Heritage Trail in West Virginia.

The Coal Heritage Trail in West Virginia consists mostly of historic towns and cities and one great state parks. You will get to explore the history and culture of the coal miners by seeing the actual mines they worked in and communities they lived in.

The first place to explore is the town of Beckley, West Virginia at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Travel down deep inside the earth just like miners did 100 or more years ago. Travel down in the same cars that they did and feel the silence that can only come from inside the earth. You can also explore the historic home of the founder of Beckley and tour a coal camp and see how the minors of the early 20th century lived for 365 days a year.

Twin Falls State Park is a place for you to explore and spend the night either camping or in rooms at the lodge or one of the private cottages. They have a restaurant at the lodge and all the campgrounds have picnic tables and grills. There is a golf course, nine hiking trails, tennis, volley ball and basketball courts and a bit of history in the restored Pioneer Farm, where you can see how the Pioneers from the 1830's really lived.

Welch West Virginia
Welch is a city on the Heritage Trail where you can see some historical buildings. It was founded in 1894 and you can still see some buildings from that time.