On my recent tour of the Lackawanna Coal Mine, I saw many young children touring with their families. The children were visibly excited and involved in what they were seeing. At a few points along the tour, the focus is on the many boys that worked in coal mines, years ago, as mule drivers, messengers, nippers, and of course, as a breaker boy sorting slate from the coal. The children I saw were amazed to learn about children as young as 9 years old working in a coal mine.

The Coal Mine Tour is in the very lovely McDade Park, in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, which was created in the 1970s from reclaimed coal mining terrain. It has many activities to offer including the Boundless Playground that is a large inclusive play structure that serves children of all abilities and needs.

Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour

Website – http://www.lackawannacounty.org/index.php/attractions/coal-mine

Quick Facts

The temperature in the Lackawanna Coal Mine is 53° year-round. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended. A light jacket can be borrowed for anyone who has not brought their own.

The descent down the slope takes 3-4 minutes. The walking portion of the coal mine tour is approximately a 1/2 mile and lasts one hour.

Video Link to Coal Mine Tour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2jXHtV-x0U

Breaker Boys

Video Links for Breaker Boys

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfVQBtrLXog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubMnu1zKmEs

Be sure to check out a children’s story, “Down in the Coal Mines at Age 9” on the Kids Blog!

Source:
Ned M Campbell is a West Point graduate and former U.S. Army Officer, who also teaches United States history at a public high school in Brooklyn, NY. He is a published writer, and a volunteer contributor to “Can Do” Street blog for kids and parents. In addition, he is the voice of Coach Campbell in the “Can Do” Street program.