Twin Shaft Disaster
Pittston, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
On June 28, 1896, fifty-eight men were killed in a massive cave-in of rock and coal here, in the Newton Coal Company's Twin Shaft Colliery. An investigative commission, appointed by the Governor, reported on Sept. 25. Although its safety recommendations would often be ignored, the disaster was a factor that led to a stronger unionization of this region under John Mitchell after 1900.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
On June 28, 1896, a massive cave-in of rock and coal in the Newton Coal Company's Twin Shaft Colliery killed fifty-eight men in an instant. A commission appointed by the governor investigated and issued safety recommendations that September—advice that would too often be ignored. The tragedy hardened the resolve of anthracite miners and helped fuel the region's turn toward stronger unions under John Mitchell after 1900.
Why it matters
The Twin Shaft disaster is a stark chapter in the human cost of anthracite mining and a catalyst in the long fight for miners' safety and labor rights.
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Related people
- · John Mitchell
Related events
- · Twin Shaft Disaster (1896)
Themes & tags
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