When Coal was King Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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The road side signs were originally at this pullout, but have now been moved up the road about 1/4 mile. Stop and read the history and get a look at the old mining works. Please leave the area and cache as found - Thanks.
SandiM's grandfather worked at the Smith Coal Mine to earn money for his family. He would ride trains (not passenger) or hitch rides from their home in Billings to Bear Creek. In the summer they would set up a tent in Bear Creek so that the family could be together.
On February 27th, 1943 there was a terrible explosion in the Smith mine. After several days of digging they recovered the bodies of 74 miners. SandiM's grandfather lost good friends in the disaster, and helped in the effort to save them. He never worked in a mine again.
The Bear Creek coal is still some of the best coal in the country. It has high heat value and low sulfur content, but is way too expensive to get out of the ground.
There are still some of the old buildings standing and you can read about some interesting Montana history. Enjoy the cache.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Guvf oheaf gbb, ohg abg nf tbbq nf pbny.