Franklin Quadrangle

MINING IN THE FRANKLIN QUADRANGLE

The Colchester Coal was accessible via drifts and slopes over most of Morgan County, but in the eastern part of the county (specifically, the Jacksonville and Franklin Quadrangles) the Herrin Coal was present and at a minable thickness. The mines of Morgan County were, without exception, low-producing and of limited lifespan. The Colchester Coal was generally thin, less than 3 feet thick. This contributed to the low production and lack of full development of the mines.

The mines in the Franklin Quadrangle generally operated before 1940 and worked for less than five years. The largest known mine (mine index 3007) worked out 5 acres and closed before 1890.