From the 1840s, when railroads began to carry coal from the area, until the early 1920s, mining was the principal industry of the area. Semi-bituminous coal in the Big Vein ran 12 or 14 feet thick, reached by drift mines which were almost horizontal and allowed miners to stand upright, filling cars that were pulled over rails by horses.
It was considered the best fuel in the world for naval vessels and Cunard liners. The miners themselves were unusual, brought here from Wales and northern Europe as skilled workmen. They did not live in company houses, or have to deal with a company store. They could read and write, and paid for their children's education 40 years before the State provided free public schools.