Coal Camps of Sweetwater County


Book Description

In the early to mid-1900s, the coal camps of Reliance, Dines, Winton, and Stansbury emerged from the hillsides and desert in southwestern Wyoming due to the increased need for coal. The miners and their families who came to these coal camps were a true melting pot, bringing with them different races, religions, and customs from all over the world. They forged unique communities and worked and lived harmoniously, depending on one another for survival, entertainment, and camaraderie. Although distanced from one another, the camps were integrated by the mines and activities of the Union Pacific Coal Company, and unified by School District No. 7, which provided the educational foundation for their children. The people who lived in these camps contributed significantly to the development of southwestern Wyoming, the economy of the state, and the welfare of the United States during wartime.




Sweetwater County


Book Description

People have existed in southwestern Wyoming for thousands of years, yet most lacked the heartiness to settle there. Fur trappers were among the first to explore the area's natural resources, but more importantly, they mapped the frontier, allowing westward expansion along the Oregon, California, Mormon, Cherokee, and Overland trails. Sweetwater County was formed in 1868, with the organization of the Wyoming Territory, and South Pass City became the county seat. A waning gold industry in South Pass caused the county seat to be relocated to Sweetwater County in 1875. Ironically, the Sweetwater River and South Pass City would end up in Fremont County and, in typical boom-and-bust fashion, gold went out and coal was in. Miners were needed, so coal camps were established and workers ultimately settled in Sweetwater County with their families. In the 1930s, Rock Springs became a melting pot, boasting 56 nationalities at the high school. The oil, natural gas, and mining industries continue this boom-and-bust cycle even today.




Forgotten Frontier


Book Description

This work reflects part of the history of Wyoming coal mining. Much more needs to be written. To those that have produced written histories, historical overviews, and manuscripts we cited here, we extend thanks. To the archaeologists and historians who are studying Wyoming's past and attempting to preserve its lasting legacy, we applaud your efforts. The flight of time is not complete, but the history that has passed shows coal miners will be a part of the future. To those that are attempting to preserve the mining history of Wyoming and the West, we are grateful. And to men such as Steven Creasman and Gary Beach, who have the courage to dream and the willingness to persevere in attempting to save America's past, thank you. With the help of such unselfish individuals this work has been strengthened, but the responsibilities of accuracy fall to the authors alone.




What was Cookin' in the Coal Camps?


Book Description

A historical compilation of recipes, stories and photographs about the families who worked and lived in Sweetwater County coal camps. Residents recall the many memories and events of good days gone by in the coal camps of Dines, Reliance, Stansbury and Winton.




The Long Haul -


Book Description

A compilation of stories and biographical notes written by former residents of Sweetwater County coal camps as well as articles taken from the "Employes' Magazine", a publication of the Union Pacific Coal Company, that were published between the years 1924 and 1946. A celebration of the past which describes what it was like to live in the coal camps of Reliance, Winton, Stansbury, Dines and Quealy







Confessions of a Coal Camp Doctor and Other Stories


Book Description

A rare look into the past by a man who lived it. Follow Doctor Dorman as he makes house call, hospital visits, does emergency surgery, goes underground and delivers babies in the coal camps of Carbon County.




The Day the Whistle Blew


Book Description

In the 1940s coal camp of Stansbury, Wyoming, life revolved around the underground mine, community, and family. In many ways, it was the idyllic model town Union Pacific Coal had built it to be. Families had homes with indoor plumbing, children enjoyed friendship and freedom, and the men had a steady income. But demand for coal waned, and then one day unexpectedly the whistle blew and Wood s life turned upside down. Wood writes honestly and compellingly about mines and miners, coal camp kids, miners wives, company towns, letting go, and acceptance.







Russell Lee: Coal Communities


Book Description

In March 1946, after years of deteriorating working conditions, no pay increases, and elevated work loads sparked by war but not alleviated by the end of war, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) union went on strike. Led by John L. Lewis, the UMWA eventually came to a settlement with the Truman administration, represented by Secretary of the Interior Julius Krug, to end the strike with the Lewis-Krug Agreement in May 1946. Part of the agreement required the government to undertake “a comprehensive survey and study of the hospital and medical facilities, medical treatment, sanitary, and housing conditions in the coal mining areas.” Russell Lee (1903-1986), veteran of many government projects—most recently having served as a photographer with the Air Transport Command during World War II—was selected to photograph the project. From June through October 1946, he shot 4,100 negatives, and about 200 of his photographs were used throughout the final report, “A Medical Survey of the Bituminous-Coal Industry,” and its supplement, “The Coal Miner and His Family.” This book presents 304 images, over half of which have never been published. Text excerpts are from the supplement written by Allan Sherman.