Educational Resources
There are many available resources for someone interested in learning more about mining in
Western Maryland or just mining in general. Frostburg's Lewis J. Ort library houses a vast collection
of books and documents related to the mining industry in Maryland since its start in the late 1700's.
There are over 60 documents and books in the Special Collections department and nearly every annual
report is in the Library Stacks.
Books of Interest
Below are some books that might be of interest. Search the CatalogUSMAI to find more books
about coal mining in Western Maryland.
George's Creek. A report written in 1966 by Professor Ian McHarg and Dr. Nicholas Muhlenverg. George's Creek
was chosen to represent a valley of the Appalachian Plateau.
This book discussess the history of the George's Creek coal basin and surrounding history, climate,
geology, industry, etc. of the George's Creek Valley in great detail. It contains maps and other reference
materials. It is very thorough on all aspects of resource management and all parts of the ecosystem as a
whole and comments on 15 areas ranging from historical geology to flora and wildlife. Each section
provides the reader of insights as to what the area was like in the 1960's when the mining industry
had hollowed out most of the mines and only a few remained.
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Green Glades and Sooty Gob Piles. Maryland Historical and Cultural Publications. Written in 1991
by D. M. Ware
A historical publication that contains notes on numerous historical sites in Allegany and Garrett Counties,
Maryland. Also contains historical information related to these counties towns and early mining
communities.
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How to Read a Mine Map. Diamond Supply & Service. Written in 1951 by E. H. Bourland and C. R. Stahl.
The publication provides, in layman’s terms, a guide to reading mine maps. It includes many maps, diagrams and photographs to illustrate the main concepts.
Western Maryland Mine Drainage Survey. Maryland Department of Water Resources. 1962-1965. Report
by Thomas C. Hopkins, JR. Chemist.
This publication contains listings for each site that was sampled, information included is the method
of mining present and other stream variables such as pH.s The author visited a total of 162 mine sites
to complete the survey
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The Lewis J. Ort Library Special Collections Rare Book Room has a collection called the Coal
Heritage Trail, a cultural survey sponsored by the Maryland Historical Trust and Maryland Scenic Byways.
This collection includes interviews with native citizens from along the trail's length discussing
mining and other social issues of the time. It also includes songs and other writings and recordings.
A book is also included.
George's Creek Links
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