Pocahontas Colliery Store, Photograph, 1883

In rural areas across the state local stores, such as the Pocahontas Colliery Store in Tazewell County, were often the centers of commerce and provided gathering places for community residents. In the 19th century stores in these rural communities were frequently found in locations that were being developed for industrial purposes and to transport raw materials.  

The success of southwestern Virginia's coalfields—lying in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise Counties—is inexorably linked to the expansion of railroads. After the Civil War, rail companies expanded westward as industrialists opened coal mines in the state's southwestern region. Norfolk & Western Railroad shipped its first coal from the Pocahontas Coalfield in 1883 and quickly developed lines through Tazewell to Norton. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad built more rail lines into Norton and the Wise County coalfields by the 1890s. A decade later companies had developed lines that delivered high-grade coke coal and steam coal from southwestern Virginia to piers at Hampton in eastern Virginia for shipment to both domestic and international markets.

Before the boom ended in the 1920s, as many as 125 coal camps, or company towns, thrived in southwestern Virginia. The coal camps brought together, often for the first time miners of different cultures and nationalities. To meet labor demands, mining and railroad companies advertised for and brought emigrants not only from other states, but also from other countries, including Italy, Hungary, and Poland. The local general stores would carry a variety of products that would appeal to workers regardless of their countries of origin. 

Citation: Pocahontas Colliery Store, about 1883, Tazewell County Public Library Photograph Collection at the Library of Virginia.

Preview Activity

Look at It: Look at the photograph. List four observations you have based on the photograph. Keep in mind the period (early-1880s) in which it was taken. Why do you think a photograph like this one was taken? 

Post Activities

Be the Journalist: You are writing an article about the importance of stores in mining communities in southwestern Virginia for a national publication. What information would you need to write your article? Who would you interview? Write five questions you would ask a local resident about the importance of stores in their community and list five facts you know about the mining industry. The article may be set in the past or in the present. 

Think About It: What dangers did miners face? Why would the miners and their families rely on local stores for more than goods? 

Artistic Exploration:  Examine the photograph of the store.  What can you assume about how much business it may have done in the area and why?