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Tag Archives: convict lease

Coal Creek Miners Museum, Rocky Top Tennessee A Huge Eye-Opener to Our Past

Trapped with no way out, 197 miners and several young boys ran out of air. Many wrote letters that can be seen at the museum. But I warn you, when you visit the letters are heart rending!
Upon entering you will meet some wonderful and dedicated folks that are always willing to share their knowledge about the coal mining disaster and the history of the leasing program that was defeated!

AmericanPressTravelNews-May 22nd, Rocky Top, TN.-Bob and Barb “On the Road Again” and “Stopping to Smell the Roses” this time at the Coal Creek Miners Museum-The Museum tells the story of the miners that lived, worked and died in Coal Creek, Fraterville and Briceville TN> The museum also tells about the historically important events that changed the mining industry. The story starts in the late 1800’s when the “free” miners fought against the convict lease system, a struggle that ultimately ended the system in this southern state. The story goes on to depict how these communities not only survived one mining disaster but two that killed almost every man in the community along with many young boys who were taken to work by their fathers. Say hi to Sandee or Boomer (in picture with T-shirts) Visit when you can: located at Militia Hill, Circle Cemetary in Rocky Top; 201 S. Main St. Rocky Top, TN.www.coalcreekminersmuseum.com

Next door to the museum is where we did barbeque brisket at the Coal Creek Smokehouse BBQ. Very friendly accommodating folks all the way around!