Macon County – Coal Capital of Missouri
Ever since an eight-foot coal seam was documented in 1855 by a state survey expedition, Macon County has been recognized as the leader in Missouri coal mining.
Over 350 commercial underground mines have been identified. Some of these were large company-owned mines with one, No. 68, still holding the state daily underground production record.
Over 350 commercial underground mines have been identified. Some of these were large company-owned mines with one, No. 68, still holding the state daily underground production record.
Not only was underground mining important, but between 1936 and 1979, thousands of acres were strip-mined by Binkley, Sinclair and Peabody coal companies. During this time, Bee-Veer mine was the home of Big David, a colossal 65 cubic yard machine that was the largest shovel ever to operate in Missouri.
The Mine Room at the Macon County Historical Society Museum is dedicated to locating as many underground mines as possible, collecting pertinent information on each underground mine, and determining when each surface area was stripped and by which machine.
Come join us in our efforts to gather this information, solve the many mysteries still unresolved, and help preserve one of our county’s most important and treasured legacies.
The Mine Room at the Macon County Historical Society Museum is dedicated to locating as many underground mines as possible, collecting pertinent information on each underground mine, and determining when each surface area was stripped and by which machine.
Come join us in our efforts to gather this information, solve the many mysteries still unresolved, and help preserve one of our county’s most important and treasured legacies.
