WHEELWRIGHT, KENTUCKY & PRICE, KENTUCKY
Wheelwright mine was opened by the Elkhorn Coal Corp. in the 1910s. In 1930 the Inland Steel Company of Indiana Harbor, Indiana purchased the Wheelwright mines and coal camp to provide
coal for their coke ovens. At this time Wheelwright got a "makeover" with some new buildings in an architecturally historical style. After Inland's purchase, the quality of life became higher at Wheelwright than most other coal company towns. Residents
enjoyed a modern company store, hospital, movie theatre, golf course, churches, and schools for white and black children. Independent businesses were also present for mining families to patronize. Inland modernized the
company housing with indoor plumbing and natural gas, and constructed a water filtration plant. At some point in time,
the Wheelwright mines became unionized. The famous Elkhorn No. 3 seam of coal was mined, which was less than 1% sulfur at this location. In 1965 Inland Steel sold their Wheelwright area properties to Island Creek Coal Co., beginning
their gradual decline.
Wheelwright residents hanging out in the soda fountain.
Circa 1940 American Mining Congress image
Coal miners at the end of their shift waiting for the mantrip to pick them up and take them back
outside at Wheelwright.
1940's image from "A Medical Survey of the Bituminous Coal Industry" via the National Archives
Hand loading in what looks like a 42" section of the Wheelwright mine.
Nov. 2006 image by author
Company houses in Wheelwright, KY.
Nov. 2006 image by author
Here are some of the remaining buildings that Inland Steel Co. either constructed or remodled in 1941. They were in the center of Wheelwright.
Nov. 2006 image by author
One of the buildings at Wheelwright, pictured here, was once the clubhouse. The owner had allowed this unique and historic structure to fall into ruin.
Nov. 2006 image by author
Steps running up the hill in the heart of the Wheelwright coal camp.
2014 image by Lynden Spears via Facebook
Wheelwright mine portals.
Nov. 2006 image by author
When the coal reserves of the Wheelwright mines became depleted Inland Steel developed a new coal mine a few miles away in Price, KY in 1951. The mine closed in 1991, but these remnants of the coal
processing complex remain.
Nov. 2006 image by author
Most of the preparation plant at Price, KY has been demolished, but this small portion of it, along with the refuse conveyor running up the mountain, are still in existence.
Nov. 2006 image by author
The former offices of the Inland Steel Price Mine. In 1965 Inland Steel sold their Wheelwright-Price properties to Island Creek Coal Co.
1940's image from "A Medical Survey of the Bituminous Coal Industry" via the National Archives
Wheelwright coal miners waiting for the mantrip to take them into the mine.
1940's image from "A Medical Survey of the Bituminous Coal Industry" via the National Archives
Aerial tramway taking coal refuse to a burning slate dump.
1940's image from "A Medical Survey of the Bituminous Coal Industry" via the National Archives
Working on a Joy loader.
1940's image from "A Medical Survey of the Bituminous Coal Industry" via the National Archives