Shamokin, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, USA

Ref) Tony Rebuck - Tar2@psu.edu via US GenWeb Archives "Bell's History of Northumberland Co., PA - Chapter XI development of the Shamokin Coal field".

Location of early Anthracite Coal mining operations in the Western Middle coal field. First discovered by Mr. Cherry, one of the original settlers in the region, in 1780. The coal of the Shamokin region was more readily introduced to various uses than that of other regions. It was softer, more easily ignited, and more closely allied to the bituminous varieties. The first practical use of Shamokin coal was made in 1810, In 1814 the first Shamokin coal was taken to market on a limited local basis. The town of Shamokin was laid out in 1835 by John C. Boyd and three houses were erected. Coal drifts continued to be opened at several places as veins were proved. In 1838 a rail line was finally commissioned and installed for tonnage transport.

1839 begins the Shamokin coal trade. The tonnage for this season was eleven thousand nine hundred thirty tons, which was mined from some four different operations. Dewart & Donnel were the owners of valuable coal lands on the east side of the water gap. They opened up several drifts in the gap on the line of the railroad and leased them to Yoxtheimer & Snyder of Sunbury, who carried on these mines for a year or so until they failed. These mines were, years later, to become one of the most famous collieries in the State, known as the Cameron colliery. In 1840, J. K. Purdy & Company mines, as well as the John C. Boyd owned quarry, known as the "Sauer Kraut Works," first operated by William Fagely, were united to those of the east side to form additional parts of the Cameron colliery.

In 1871, the P. & R. established a subsidiary, the Philadelphia & Reading Coal and Iron Company (P.& R.C.& I.) to capitalize on the lucrative demand for anthracite and gain control of much of the vast deposits residing within Pennsylvania. Cameron colliery and many of the smaller local operation were acquired, and remained in operation under their ownership, into the late 20th century. Some small local operation, particularly West Cameron Mining, still operate to date, but produced a mere 1,671 tons in 2002.