Fairview Quadrangle

The Herrin and Springfield Coals were mined in the eastern part of the Fairview Quadrangle. Both seams cropped out along the streams. Many drift mines were driven into the hillsides to access the coal in the first half of the twentieth century. In later years, larger surface-mining machines were developed that could dig deeper and strip both veins, making the small drift mines unprofitable in comparison. The Springfield Coal was characterized by horsebacks and clay veins.

In the northwestern part of the quadrangle, beyond the outcrop of the Springfield Coal, the Colchester and Rock Island Coals were present, but deeper than they were further west (in the London Mills Quadrangle), and only a few mines worked these seams.

Coal Mines In Illinois Fairview Quadrangle