Coaltown

A coaltown, also sometimes referred to as a coal town or coal camp, is a settlement that was historically built and sustained primarily by coal mining. These towns were typically located in close proximity to coal seams and often owned or heavily controlled by a single coal mining company.

Coaltowns often featured company-owned housing, stores, and other amenities, providing services almost exclusively to the miners and their families. The company often paid miners in company scrip, a form of currency usable only at the company store, creating a closed economic system. This system, while providing essential services, often led to economic dependence and limited opportunities for residents.

The decline of coal mining in many regions during the latter half of the 20th century led to the economic decline and, in some cases, abandonment of many coaltowns. Some have successfully transitioned to other industries, such as tourism or diversified manufacturing, while others struggle with poverty and unemployment. The legacy of coaltowns remains significant, representing a unique period in industrial history and a testament to the human impact of resource extraction.