Alton-Quadrangle

According to the History of Madison County (published in 1882), mining in the Alton quadrangle began in a drift mine along Coal Branch Creek, which runs through sections 35 and 36 of T6N-R10W, by Joseph and Richard Whyers. In the summer of 1848, James Mitchell opened a mine. A few months later, Thomas Dunford opened a mine. By 1882, the local coal was nearly exhausted, as well as more expensive to mine since it it thinner (about 30 inches, average). At the time of publication of this history, the local mines included Dennis Noonan, Peter Robinson, Charles Crowson, Henry Camp, Peter Taylor, Nathan Sydell, and Henry Conlon - mines that are presumed to be in the Coal Branch area, but whose locations and areal extent are unknown. Mines that operated then that have known general locations include William Watts (mine index 2839) and John Rutledge (mine index 2838).

Coal Mines In Illinois Alton Quadrangle