History of Coal and its Use
Pennsylvania was a leading producer of coal since the mid-1800’s. Coal from Pennsylvania’s Mines spurred railroad development, heated homes, created jobs and served as important material for the steel mills. Before 1977, Pennsylvania had produced one-third of all coal mined in the United States. Coal was the fuel used to make steel for both World Wars. The Coal Industry is mostly a legacy now, but Pennsylvania still ranks fourth in coal mining behind Wyoming, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
Coal still affects many lives because more than half of the electricity produced in Pennsylvania derives its energy source from coal. Coal has lost its market to oil, gas and nuclear energy.