New Alma Coal Camp, Kentucky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
New Alma Coal Camp
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 New Alma Coal Camp
Location in Kentucky
New Alma Coal Camp
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Kentucky |
| County | Pike |
| Elevation | 696 ft (212 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CST) |
| GNIS feature ID | 2336943 |
New Alma Coal Camp was a small place in Pike County, Kentucky, in the United States. It was known as an "unincorporated community" and a "coal town." This means it wasn't officially a city or town with its own government. Instead, it was a community that grew up around a coal mine.
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What Was a Coal Town?
A coal town, also called a coal camp, was a special kind of community. These towns were built by coal mining companies. Their main purpose was to house the miners and their families. They were often in remote areas, close to the coal mines.
Life in a Coal Camp
Life in a coal camp was unique. The mining company usually owned everything. This included the houses, the company store, and sometimes even the schools and churches. Miners often got paid in "scrip," which could only be used at the company store. This system made people very dependent on the mining company.
Why Coal Towns Existed
Coal towns were important for the mining industry. They made sure miners lived close to their work. This helped companies keep their operations running smoothly. These towns were common in places like Kentucky, where coal mining was a major industry for many years.
Location of New Alma Coal Camp
New Alma Coal Camp was located in Pike County, Kentucky. This area is in the eastern part of Kentucky. It is known for its rich history of coal mining. The camp's elevation was about 696 feet above sea level.
Pike County's Mining History
Pike County has a long history with coal mining. Many communities like New Alma Coal Camp were formed there. These towns played a big part in the local economy. They also shaped the lives of thousands of families.
The End of Coal Camps
Over time, many coal camps like New Alma Coal Camp changed or disappeared. As mining methods changed and coal demand shifted, these towns became less necessary. People moved to larger towns or cities for new jobs. Today, many are just historical sites.
