Winter Quarters, Utah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Winter Quarters
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 Winter Quarters
Location in Utah
Winter Quarters
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Utah |
| County | Carbon |
| Founded | 1879 |
| Abandoned | 1930 |
| Elevation | 8,084 ft (2,464 m) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1447486 |
Winter Quarters is a ghost town located in Carbon County, Utah, United States. A ghost town is a place where most people have left, and it's no longer a busy community.
Coal was found in this area in 1875. Soon after, a company called Pleasant Valley Coal Company started digging for coal. The town got its name in 1877. A group of coal miners got stuck in a big snowstorm during an early winter. They had to stay there for a long time, so they called their camp "Winter Quarters."
On May 1, 1900, a terrible accident happened in the Winter Quarters Number Four mine. An explosion caused a lot of damage and sadly, many miners lost their lives. Even after this event, coal mining continued in the town. However, in 1922, a new mine opened in Castle Gate. Many people moved there for work. By 1930, Winter Quarters was completely abandoned.
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Where is Winter Quarters?
Winter Quarters is located in Utah, west of a town called Scofield. It is close to Winter Quarters Canyon. To the west of the town, you can find the Lower Gooseberry Reservoir. South of Winter Quarters are Clear Creek and Electric Lake.
The Story of Winter Quarters
Before coal was discovered in 1875, some early settlers had already moved into the Pleasant Valley area. This is where Winter Quarters would later be built. In late 1875, the Pleasant Valley Coal Company began its coal mining work.
How the Town Got Its Name
In the winter of 1877, a group of fourteen coal miners was traveling. They were led by a man named Peter Morgan. They were trying to get from Fairview to Sanpete County. But they got caught in deep snow and were stuck for several months. Because they had to stay there through the winter, their camp became known as Winter Quarters.
Growth and the Railroad
As the Winter Quarters mine grew, more and more miners moved to the area. The town became bigger, and people needed a way to transport the coal and supplies. They really needed a railroad! In 1879, a businessman named Milan Packard helped pay for a railroad to be built. It went from Springville to Winter Quarters and Scofield. This railroad was first called the Utah and Pleasant Valley Railroad. Later, in 1883, a bigger company called the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad bought it.
By the year 1900, about 1,800 people lived in Winter Quarters. The mine was thought to be the safest one in Utah. The town's Main Street was very long, stretching over a mile. There were many businesses, and most of them were built with strong stone.
The Mine Accident of 1900
On May 1, 1900, a big explosion happened in the Winter Quarters Number Four mine. Right after this, miners working in the Winter Quarters Number One mine were also affected. This was because the two mines were connected. Dangerous gas from the explosion spread, causing more harm.
Rescue teams quickly arrived to help. These teams came from nearby towns like Clear Creek, Castle Gate, and Sunnyside. Local people from the valley also joined in the rescue efforts. They worked for almost a week to recover those who were lost.
The Pleasant Valley Coal Company reported that 200 miners died in the accident. However, other reports said the number was higher, around 246 deaths. Among those who died, 62 were from Finland. An official report from the state inspector said the explosion was accidental. It happened when black powder caught fire, which then ignited coal dust in the air.
The Pleasant Valley Coal Company helped the families affected by the disaster. They provided a coffin and clothes for each miner who died. The company also gave $500 to each family.
The End of Winter Quarters
After the mine accident, mining continued in Winter Quarters for some time. But in 1922, a new mine opened in Castle Gate. Many miners from Winter Quarters and Scofield moved to this new mine. Because of this, less coal was being dug up in Pleasant Valley. By 1930, the last few people living in Winter Quarters moved away. They went to places where there was more work.
What's Left of Winter Quarters?
Today, you can still see some parts of the old town. The walls of the Wasatch Store are visible from the road that leads into Winter Quarters. You can also find some old building foundations. The remains of the blacksmith shop are there too. The old railroad bed is now a dirt road that goes to Tucker. Winter Quarters is on private property, so visitors are not allowed without permission.
