The Shinnston TornadoThe Shinnston Tornado
On June 23, 1944, a massive F4 tornado struck Shinnston, West Virginia, the deadliest tornado in the state’s history. This week we tell the story of the terrifying twister that
Category: Disasters
The Greeno Mine Disaster: Tacoma, VirginiaThe Greeno Mine Disaster: Tacoma, Virginia
On December 14, 1910, a deadly explosion rocked the Greeno Mine in Tacoma, Virginia, claiming 14 lives and leaving a lasting mark on the Appalachian coalfields. Today we tell the
The Story of Isaac Cline, Appalachia’s Weather ManThe Story of Isaac Cline, Appalachia’s Weather Man
This week, Steve and Rod bring you the remarkable story of Isaac Cline, a Tennessee-born son of Appalachia who rose to become one of America’s most respected meteorologists. From his
March 29, 1913: When Floodwaters Overtook AppalachiaMarch 29, 1913: When Floodwaters Overtook Appalachia
The Great Flood of 1913 was one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history. Between March 23 and 26, relentless rainfall overwhelmed rivers across the central and eastern
The Layland Mine Disaster – March 2, 1915The Layland Mine Disaster – March 2, 1915
On the morning of March 2, 1915, a catastrophic explosion tore through the No. 3 Mine in Layland, West Virginia, operated by the New River & Pocahontas Consolidated Coal Company.
Remembering the Buffalo Creek Disaster: 53 Years LaterRemembering the Buffalo Creek Disaster: 53 Years Later
On February 26, 1972, disaster struck Logan County, West Virginia. In one of the worst coal-related tragedies in U.S. history, a coal slurry impoundment dam managed by Pittston Coal Company
The 1915 Carlisle Mine TragedyThe 1915 Carlisle Mine Tragedy
On the morning of February 6, 1915, life in Carlisle, West Virginia, began as usual. One hundred and seventy-three coal miners gathered at the mouth of the Carlisle Mine in
The Saltville Muck Dam Disaster: Virginia’s Deadliest Dam FailureThe Saltville Muck Dam Disaster: Virginia’s Deadliest Dam Failure
In 1892 Neil Mathieson was chartered to open the Mathieson Alkali Works in Saltville, Virginia, run by his son Thomas Train Mathieson, producing soda ash, bleaching powder, and other alkaline