Worden Quadrangle

Mining in the Worden Quadrangle

According to the History of Madison County, the first shaft in this quadrangle was sunk in 1876 by the Worden Coal Company (mine index 2803), although production did not start until June of the following year. Two mines operated over 50 years: Livingston & Mt. Olive No. 1 (mine index 0072) ran for 59 years, and Mt. Olive & Staunton No. 2 (mine index 0073) operated for 53 years.

The Herrin Coal was the only coal mined in this quadrangle. The coal ranged from 3.0 to 8.0 feet thick and 264 to 309 feet deep. Some faults were present with displacement of 3 feet. The underclay heaved some when wet. Roof rolls were present in at least two mines, and cut the thickness of the coal down to between 2 and 4 feet at times. Gas was noted near the roof of two mines.