U.S. Steel's U.S. Coal & Coke Co. subsidiary, which had been mining coal down the Tug Fork at Gary, opened up a new mine in 1909 on the edge of Anawalt, W.Va. This became their No. 12 mine. The mine produced coal until it was closed in 1924. However, it was reopened from 1943 until 1949.
As you can see on this old mine map the No. 12 mine was an isolated hilltop of Pocahontas No. 3 coal.
Image courtesy of Chris Druehl
Photo of the opening of the new Gary No. 12 mine, courtesy of Chris. He writes, "My grandfather was involved with coal mines in both Lynch, KY and Gary, WV. He was a coal mining engineer and I remember visiting Gary in my youth. Too bad I never asked any questions! I have a picture that may interest you taken Oct 31, 1945 of the first cut being taken in the coal by the mining machine in Gary, WV North Portal Mine No 12....smokless coal." Note the employees of U.S.C.& C. with their hats raised in salute to the new mine.
March 2017 image by author
Former U.S. Coal & Coke Company store. This brick store replaced an earlier wooden company store. It was torn down not long after this photo was taken.
March 2017 image by author
A few of the remaining No. 12 coal camp homes.
Sources:
Schust, Alex P. Gary Hollow. Two Mule Publishing, 2005.
