Century of Coal Mining
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Historical Marker #1338 in Hopkins County celebrates Earlington, a western Kentucky coal town.
Founded in 1870 by the St. Bernard Coal Co., Earlington was named for John B. Earle, who was credited with having stuck the first pick into the hillside at the opening of Hopkins County's first commercial coal mine. Shortly after the town was founded, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad completed its line from Henderson to Earlington, and became the primary hauler in the area.
The development of Earlington can most readily be attributed to St. Bernard Coal Company's second president, John B. Atkinson. Originally from New Jersey, Atkinson taught school before becoming a civil engineer. He relocated to Kentucky from Boston in 1871 to take charge of mining operations at Earlington. He eventually became president of the company.
Because of his background in education, it is no surprise that Atkinson placed a great deal of emphasis on schools in Earlington. Under his leadership, local schools gained substantial support from his company. A modern building for each the grade school and high school were built and furnished at the expense of St. Bernard. Other amenities offered at Earlington included housing, a library, an arboretum, and churches.
Files
Coal Miner
This photograph shows a miner in the Nisbett Coal Mine near Earlington, Kentucky. Courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.
Coal Miner
This miner worked at Arnold Mine, which was owned by St. Bernard Mining Company and located at Earlington, Kentucky. Courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.
Power Plant
This coal-fired power plant was located near Earlington, Kentucky. Courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society.
Earlington School Building
Education was important in Earlington. John B. Atkinson, president of St. Bernard Coal Company, was a school teacher before taking over the company; thus, he emphasized education in Earlington by building modern schools. Courtesy of the Kentucky Historical Society
Gymnasium at Earlington
Earlington had many of the amenities found in any small town including this gymnasium. Courtesy of the University of Kentucky.