This mining town is "behind" Backus Mountain on Laurel Creek. The worst mine explosion in Fayette County history happened here in 1915 when Layland No. 3 blew up. 112 men died in the blast. Layland was a New River and Pocahontas Consolidated Coal Co. mine. It closed in the 1980s.

Phyllis writes, "I was born and raised in Layland in the 40's and 50's. The pictures of the very schools that I attended brought tears to my eyes. My father worked in the Layland Mine for over 40 years until he was forced to retire in 1956 suffering from "black lung". While we never actually lived in the mining camp,we were very much part of the community-shopping in the Company Store and seeing the Company doctor who had an office upstairs above the Company office. His name was Dr.Haggerty and he delivered my brother at home."

Here is the Layland mine portal after the explosion. I'm not sure that this picture has ever been published. (from a private collection)

There are only a few houses left in the coal camp.

The coal camp looking up the hollow. There are two foreman's homes and two miner's homes left.

Remains of the mining complex

Old cut stone mine buildings, possibly the powerhouse or maintenance shop

Layland Junior High is in sorry shape.

There are no remaining students at Layland Grade School.

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