Chinese Coal Mine, Texas facts for kids

Chinese Coal Mine is a fascinating ghost town located in Jeff Davis County, Texas. A ghost town is a place where most or all people have left, often because a local industry failed. This town got its unique name because of the Chinese workers who helped build the railroad leading to its coal mine.

The Story of Chinese Coal Mine

Why "Chinese Coal Mine"?

The name "Chinese Coal Mine" tells us about its history. The railroad lines that went to the local coal mine were built by Chinese workers. These workers played a big part in building railroads across America during the 1800s.

A Short-Lived Coal Mine

Even though a railroad was built, the coal mine didn't last long. The railroad was used only one time to carry coal away. The main problem was that the coal had a lot of sulfur in it. Sulfur is a chemical element that can make coal burn poorly and produce bad smells or pollution. Because the coal wasn't good quality, the mine and its railroad were soon shut down. Today, Chinese Coal Mine remains a quiet reminder of a short-lived mining effort in Texas.