Coal empire leaves area; history remains
November 16, 2004
 

The Post November 16, 2004
 

Most Wise Countians know something about Stonega Coke & Coal Co. and Westmoreland Coal Co. from having mined for them, living with their miners in the family or knowing their miners in the community.
These two companies profoundly shaped the economy and the social framework of southwestern Wise County, especially Big Stone Gap and the Appalachia area, for more than 100 years - until Westmoreland shut down its Virginia operations in 1995.

Nearly a decade later, journalist Dan Rottenberg has told the story from the perspective of the decision makers who steered these two companies through booms, busts, world wars and global growing pains. His book, "In the Kingdom of Coal," explains how coal fueled America's transformation from a land of ports and small farms into the world's industrial powerhouse.

In part four of a series, The Post interviews former Westmoreland/Stonega foreman Beecher Powers, who ran the companies' Harry Meador Jr. Coal Museum for 17 years, and examines how other former company towns managed the transition to a post-coal economy.
 
©Coalfield.com 2004
 

The End