The earliest
known use of coal was in China. Coal from the Fu-shun mine in
northeastern China was used to smelt copper as early as 3,000 years
ago. Outcrop coal was used in Britain during the Bronze Age,
where it's been determined to have been used for funeral
pyres.
Coal is our most abundant
fossil fuel resource today, and is used to generate more than half
our nation's electrical power. There are many other important uses,
such as in the production of iron, steel, and other metals, and in
the cement industry. Ammonia gas recovered from coke ovens is
used to manufacture ammonia salts, nitric acid, agricultural
fertilizers and
explosives.
An amazing variety of common
household items contain coal-derived materials, such as plastics,
fibers such as rayon and nylon, carbon fiber, solvents, dyes,
filters, lubricants, waxes, cosmetics, and
shampoos.
Here you will see a unique use of coal. A
structure with walls made entirely of cut block coal. A total
of 65 tons of bituminous coal was used in its construction.
(coals weight is ~50% that of
granite).
Locally known as "The Coal
House", the general appearance of this structure is that of cut
stone. It was built in 1933 with civic support for the
project. Materials, labor, and cash were donated by local
firms and individuals, and the one-story building was designed by
architect H.T. Hicks, of Welch, West Virginia. The coal used in the
construction was mined locally and donated by several major coal
companies.
The exterior surface is
protected from weathering by application of a mixture of enamel and
varnish every two years. Thus far, little erosion has
occurred.
For its 74-year history, it
has always housed the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce, and its space
has also been used for various other activities. Additionally,
today, it's a museum that gives visitors a look at
artifacts from the valley's past. On display are a few mining
tools and some railroad equipment that are part of the Tug Valley's
heritage. The National
Register of Historic Places certified its listing on
3/06/1980.
To log this Earthcache, observe the
various plaques & informational signs outside the building.
From the information provided, email answers:
1. What is the coal
seam called from which the blocks were cut?
2. Name the five
companies that contributed the
coal.