economic and cultural history and at one time accounted for 50%
of the male industrial work force; and
WHEREAS, Coal miners in the anthracite region came from
diverse ethnic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Coal mines were dangerous places to work as injuries
and deaths were commonplace and, in the late 1800s, more than
10,000 miners died in anthracite mine accidents; and
WHEREAS, Early anthracite usage was limited to local
consumption because it was difficult to ignite and hard to
transport to urban markets, making it challenging for early coal
companies to survive and prosper; and
WHEREAS, The Lehigh, Schuylkill, Delaware and Hudson canals
were formed to transport coal to urban markets, including
Philadelphia and New York City; and
WHEREAS, The rise of the railway system expanded the
anthracite industry in this Commonwealth and brought the first
steam locomotive to America; and
WHEREAS, The use of anthracite in the iron industry increased
the demand for hard coal and fueled the Industrial Revolution;
and
WHEREAS, The Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902 was one of
America's largest industrial strikes and brought about increased
wages, shorter hours and safer working conditions for immigrants
working the coalfields; and
WHEREAS, Anthracite coal helped meet the tremendous energy
and production demands of two World Wars; and
WHEREAS, Anthracite coal production now accounts for
approximately 2 million tons annually; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is now the fourth largest coal-
producing state; and
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