Warden Mine - Elizabeth Township
Throughout Pennsylvania, there are numerous abandoned coal mines. In fact, if you live in Southwestern Pennsylvania, it is quite likely that one once ran underneath your home.
With the abundance of former coal mines in the area, you're bound to come across an old shaft entrance or other leftover example. With varying degrees of difficulty, you can find these relics of an earlier industrial era. One such remnant can be found at the intersection of Douglas Run Road and Round Hill Road in Elizabeth Township. The entrance to the former Warden Mine sits hidden behind fill, trees, and vegetation which makes the old brick entrance best seen in winter.
The Warden Mine opened in 1925 and operated until July 1954. The bituminous coal mine was owned by the Pittsburgh Consolidated Coal Company. In addition, the mine also centralized numerous local mines. The nearby community of Victory (Mustard) was a company town for the mine. Personally, my great aunt's father worked here until his retirement in 1954.
Though the mine has now been closed for over 65 years, it still can impact the local area. Since the mine closed, there has been a series of mine "blow outs" have flooded the area. This is typically caused by heavy rains and clogged mine drainage pipes. In March 2011, heavy rains and a clogged 24" pipe resulted in flooding of Douglas Run Road and a nearby home at the intersection of Nichols Hill Road.
Where to find it:
With the abundance of former coal mines in the area, you're bound to come across an old shaft entrance or other leftover example. With varying degrees of difficulty, you can find these relics of an earlier industrial era. One such remnant can be found at the intersection of Douglas Run Road and Round Hill Road in Elizabeth Township. The entrance to the former Warden Mine sits hidden behind fill, trees, and vegetation which makes the old brick entrance best seen in winter.
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| Entrance to the former Warden Mine on a frigid December 2008 afternoon (Adam Prince) |
Though the mine has now been closed for over 65 years, it still can impact the local area. Since the mine closed, there has been a series of mine "blow outs" have flooded the area. This is typically caused by heavy rains and clogged mine drainage pipes. In March 2011, heavy rains and a clogged 24" pipe resulted in flooding of Douglas Run Road and a nearby home at the intersection of Nichols Hill Road.
Where to find it:
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