Welcome to Williamson, West Virginia!
Located in the heart of Appalachia, Williamson is home to one of two Coal Houses in the state of West Virginia. Coal has played an important part in the history of the Mountain State, and the Coal House stands as a testament to the history of this "black diamond".
Coal
To get a better idea of the significance of the Williamson Coal House, let's begin with a lesson on coal formation. Coal forms from the remains of ancient plants that accumulated in swampy environments. As these plants decomposed under layers of sediment, heat and pressure transformed them into the energy-rich coal we mine today.
To understand this geological marvel, consider the conditions required for coal formation. Firstly, ample plant material must be present, which often flourished in lush, tropical environments of the past. Secondly, these environments needed to be conducive to plant burial without rapid decay. Over millions of years, as layers of sediment accumulated, the buried plant material underwent chemical changes due to pressure and temperature, eventually forming one of four ranks of coal (lignite,subbituminous, bituminous, or anthracite) depending on the depth and duration of burial, as well as the carbon content found in the rock.
Coal Ranks
There are a few different types of coal, also known as "ranks", ranging from lignite to anthracite. Each type of coal is unique, and to complete this EarthCache, you'll need to know the difference in each!
Anthracite - The highest rank of coal. It is a hard, brittle, and black lustrous coal, often referred to as hard coal, containing a high percentage of fixed carbon and a low percentage of volatile matter.
Bituminous - Bituminous coal is a middle rank coal between subbituminous and anthracite. Bituminous coal usually has a high heating (Btu) value and is used in electricity generation and steel making in the United States. Bituminous coal is blocky and appears shiny and smooth when you first see it, but look closer and you might see it has thin, alternating, shiny and dull layers.
Subbituminous - Subbituminous coal is black in color and is mainly dull (not shiny). Subbituminous coal has low-to-moderate heating values and is mainly used in electricity generation.
Lignite - Lignite coal, aka brown coal, is the lowest grade coal with the least concentration of carbon. Lignite has a low heating value and a high moisture content and is mainly used in electricity generation.
Building the Coal House
The Williamson Coal House was constructed in 1933 by architect Hassel Hicks. To create this marvelous structure, Hicks used over 65 tons of coal from a nearby mine to create West Virginia's oldest Coal House (another Coal House would later be constructed in Lewisburg in 1965). The Coal House is currently home to the Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS
Please submit your answers and observations within seven days of your online log.
In order to log a find on this EarthCache, you'll need to answer the following questions below. Answers can be submitted using the Google Form below, which can be completed without signing into any account. Your email address will also not be recorded on my end, though you will need to provide your Geocaching name (as well as anyone else you're submitting for) on the form.
1) Look closely at the coal blocks that make up the Williamson Coal House. Describe the characteristics of the coal including the texture, appearance, and color. Using the characteristics mentioned in the description, what rank of coal do you think was used in the construction of the Coal House?
2) Williamson and the surrounding area is known for its high quality coal. What kind of environment (forest, desert, swamp, etc) can be attributed to the abundance of coal? Why did you select this environment?
3) Please attach a photo of you (or a personal item) at the posted coordinates with the Coal House in the background, and attach this image to your log!
Answers can be submitted by clicking here!