Atlas Coal Mine facts for kids
| Location | |
|---|---|
 Atlas Coal Mine
Atlas Coal Mine
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|
| Location | East Coulee |
| Province | Alberta |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 51°19′43″N 112°28′57″W / 51.32863°N 112.48251°W |
| Production | |
| Products | Coal |
| History | |
| Opened | 1911 |
| Closed | 1984 |
Tipple and main ore conveyor
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|
| Type | History Museum |
| Nearest city | Drumheller |
| Built | 1937 |
| Visitors | (in 35,000+) |
| Governing body | Atlas Coal Mine Historical Society |
| Website | Atlas Coal Mine site |
| Designated | 2002 |
The Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site is a really cool place in Alberta, Canada. It used to be a busy coal mine from 1936 to 1979. Today, it's known as Canada's most complete historic coal mine. It's also home to the very last wooden coal tipple in Canada, and the biggest one still standing in North America! This special site is located in East Coulee, close to Drumheller. It became an Alberta Provincial Historic Resource in 1989 and a National Historic Site of Canada in 2002.
Contents
A Look Back: The Atlas Coal Mine's Story
For many years, the Drumheller area was famous for its coal. The coal found here was called "sub-bituminous." People used it to heat their homes, for cooking, and to make electricity. It even helped power the big steam trains of the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways!
Mining coal in this area was a bit easier than in mountains. The coal layers were flat, and there was less methane gas. The coal mining era in Drumheller lasted from 1911 until 1984. That's when the Atlas No. 3 and 4 mines finally closed.
The buildings and structures of the Atlas No. 3 Mine are still here. They form the basis of this amazing National Historic Site. The Atlas Mine Historical Society helps take care of it.
What is a Coal Tipple?
One of the most important parts of the mine is the wooden coal tipple. It was built in 1937. A tipple is a huge machine used to sort and load coal. It's over 7 stories tall! This giant structure reminds everyone of the rich mining history in the Drumheller Valley.
Preserving History
Many old mining machines and buildings are still at the site. You can see a working battery-powered locomotive from before 1936. There are also buildings like the wash house, where miners cleaned up. You can also see the supply house, lamp house, and the mine office. These places help tell the stories of the brave men who worked underground. The Atlas was the last of 139 mines that once operated in the valley.
Mining was a dangerous job. Sadly, some miners lost their lives while working at Atlas.
Visiting the Atlas Coal Mine
The Atlas Coal Mine is open for visitors from May until Thanksgiving weekend. It's a great place to learn about history!
What to See and Do
- You can take a guided tour that feels like stepping back in time.
- You might even get to ride on the old locomotive, which is nicknamed Linda!
- Visitors can also walk up the tall tipple for amazing views.
- Since 2009, you can explore the 210-foot underground conveyor tunnel.
- The recently fixed Blacksmith Shop is also open to see.
It's a fantastic way to experience what life was like for coal miners long ago!
