We all enjoyed an informative and entertaining presentation from board members of the Black Diamond Historical Society about the history of coal mining in Black Diamond. In addition, Board President Steve Israel sang some original songs.

"It was 1880 when Victor Tull of the Black Diamond Mining Company was first sent to Black Diamond from the San Francisco area to locate coal. Indeed. he found it in abundance and quality. They returned in 1882 with Superintendent Morgan Morgans. By 1884 the first train arrived here and the population neared 3000 speaking 30 languages. After World War I, the town shut down the mine as it was no longer viable and oil had consumed the coal business. However, a second mining boom did spur growth in the town in the early 1930s on the strength of multiple mining operations promoted by the Morris brothers through the Palmer Coking Coal Company. Underground mining continued until the Rogers No. 3 closed in 1975." – BDHS website