Deep in a hillside at the west end of the park, the Salem #2 mine was designed to reach part of the Greensburg coal basin. A year after opening, it had sixty employees. Peak production occurred in 1942, when 98,000 tons of coal were mined.
In the early days of mining, coal was hauled out by mules. These animals were calmer and required less feed and care than horses. Companions during the long day's work, mules often became pets.
The coal wagon in front of you is similar to those used in Salem #2, but has higher sides. Why? It was used to haul coal in larger tunnels. Salem #2 was a low seam tunnel, only two to four feet high. Wood and metal wagons ran on tracks and could carry three to four tons of coal.
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