Pocahontas Fuel Company facts for kids
| Shareholder | |
| Industry | Coal, and shipping |
| Fate | Sold 1956 |
| Successor |
|
| Founded | 1882 |
|
Key people
|
James Ellwood Jones |
The Pocahontas Fuel Company was a big company that mined coal. It started way back in 1882. The company had mines in Virginia, in towns like Boissevain and Amonate. They also had mines in West Virginia, in places such as Jenkinjones, Bishop, and Itmann.
In 1907, Pocahontas Fuel Company created another company called the Pocahontas Consolidated Collieries Company. A "colliery" is another word for a coal mine. The company used the Norfolk & Western Railway to transport the coal. This railway took the coal to ports, where it could be loaded onto ships.
Later, in 1956, a company called Consolidation Coal Company bought Pocahontas Fuel Company. Consolidation Coal Company then changed its name to Consol Energy in 1991. Today, Consol Energy still mines coal in Amonate, Virginia.
Contents
Discovering the Pocahontas Coalfield
The Pocahontas Coalfield is a very large area with high-quality coal. It stretches across parts of West Virginia and Virginia. Mining in this area began in 1883. The first mine was called Pocahontas Mine No. 1, located in Pocahontas, Virginia. This mine is now a special historic place.
The coal found here is some of the best in the world. It comes from different layers, or "seams," in the ground. These include Pocahontas No. 3, No. 4, No. 6, and No. 11. This coal produces a lot of heat when burned, making it very valuable.
Visiting the Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine
The Pocahontas Exhibition Coal Mine is a historic site in the United States. It was the very first mine to dig for a type of coal called sub-bituminous coal in the Pocahontas Coalfield. In 1938, this mine opened its doors to the public. This made it the first "exhibition coal mine" in the entire country. Visitors can go inside and learn about coal mining history.
Historic Buildings of Pocahontas Fuel Company
The Pocahontas Fuel Company also had important buildings. The Pocahontas Fuel Company Store and Office Buildings are historic structures. They are located in Jenkinjones, West Virginia. These buildings were designed by an architect named Alex B. Mahood. They were built in 1917. Both buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. This means they are recognized as important historical sites.
Pocahontas Steamship Company and Its Ships
The Pocahontas Steamship Company was a shipping company. It started in 1915 in New York City. This company mainly operated "collier ships." These are special ships designed to carry coal. The coal ships would load up in Norfolk, Virginia. Then, they would deliver the coal to ports in New England.
The Pocahontas Steamship Company played a role in supporting the World War II efforts. The company stopped operating in 1961.
Pocahontas Steamship Company's Role in World War II
During World War II, the ships of the Pocahontas Steamship Company helped with the war effort. The company operated ships for the United States Shipping Board. They also worked with the Maritime Commission and the War Shipping Administration. These groups helped organize shipping during the war.
The company's ships were part of the World War II United States Merchant Navy. The Pocahontas Steamship Company crew ran the ship. The US Navy also provided armed guards. These guards operated deck guns and radios to protect the ships.
Ships of the Pocahontas Steamship Company
Here are some of the ships that the Pocahontas Steamship Company owned:
- Isaac T. Mann: This was a coal ship. It was named after a banker who was on the company's board.
- Freeman
- Joe Nancy
- Oakley L. Alexander (I): The front part of this ship sank in 1947 during very heavy seas.
- Oakley L. Alexander II: This was a Victory ship, originally named SS Laconia Victory.
- Lynchburg Victory: Built in 1945, this ship was bought in 1952. It was renamed Pocahontas Fuel and changed into a coal carrier.
- Consolidation Coal: This was a Type T2 tanker ship. It was originally named Redstone, built in 1945, and acquired in 1958.
- SS William H. Machen: This ship sank in 1942 off New Hampshire. It collided with another ship called Maid of Stirling.
- SS Bylayl: This ship was built in 1916.
See also
- Pocahontas Historic District
- Pocahontas Fuel Company Store (Maybeury, West Virginia)
- Pocahontas Fuel Company Store (Switchback, West Virginia)
- World War II United States Merchant Navy
