Pennsylvania’s rich coal mining history features both heart-wrenching tragedy and unexpected miracles. Tragedy was not uncommon in the coal mining industry in the early 20th century. But, December 1907 proved the deadliest month in coal mining history in the United States.

More than 700 men and boys perished in coal mine accidents that December. Among them was the Darr Mine Disaster, the second deadliest coal mining accident in United States history. The first took place only days before when the Monongah Mine Disaster in West Virginia claimed 362 lives.

Just 13 days later, the town of Van Meter would be mourning the loss of 239 coal miners. (It would become the worst coal mining accident in Pennsylvania history.) But, with that loss also came what many at the time, and since, have called a miracle.

On the morning of December 7, 1907, 240 men and boys headed to the Darr Mine for their regular workday. At approximately 11:30 a.m., townspeople heard an explosion. The explosion was so powerful, in fact, that it shook homes and shattered windows.
Wikipedia/Riverhugger
The photo above is of the Darr Mine entrance in 2011, overgrown by green.
An explosion had occurred beneath the ground at the Darr Mine. Only one coal miner, who had been near the entrance at the time of the explosion, survived. The remaining 239 men and boys died. Among the men who died were a large group of recent Hungarian immigrants.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Despite an intense investigation, no one could agree on the exact cause of the mine explosion. Some blamed miners carrying open lanterns in the mine. Others pointed to poor ventilation in the mine.
Flickr/Jon Dawson

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Townspeople rushed to the mine in an effort to help. An estimated 200 coal miners had not gone into work that day. Instead, they gathered in nearby Jacobs Creek to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Nicholas.
Wikipedia/Riverhugger
Many in the town believe that those miners who were not in the mine was a miracle, that St. Nicholas has been watching over them. That day, the survivors and townspeople founded the .St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Jacobs Creek.
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Many of those who perished in the Darr Mine Disaster were buried in Olive Branch Cemetery.
Ironically, the Monongah Mine Disaster in West Virginia, just 13 days earlier, fell on The Feast of St. Nicholas in the Roman Catholic Church. That day, 60 miners had gone to church instead of the coal mines while 362 coal miners perished underground.
Flickr/Ahd Photography

Did you know the story behind the deadliest coal mining accident in Pennsylvania history? Did it affect you or someone you know? Share your story in the comments! Want learn more about PA’s rich history? Click here to read about Three Mile Island.

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