Eckley Miners Village

See The Mining “Patch” of Eckley Miners Village

Pennsylvania’s anthracite region propagated many mining towns, or “patches” as they were called in the 1800’s. One such mining patch is Eckley, PA. Founded in 1854, the mining firm of Sharpe, Leisenring and Company began work on the Council Ridge Colliery coal mine and the village of Eckley was built for the workers.

Eckley provided the housing, schools, stores and churches for the miners and their families. This was not done out of benevolence by the mining companies. Mining companies often created such patches to gain even more control over the lives of its coal miners under their employ. Rent and pricing of commosities were controlled by the mining company. Often a miner would find himself indebted to the mine company and unable to take any time off from labor, so that bills and debt could be paid.

Many immigrants came to Eckley in the 1870’s, resulting in an ethnic diversity in Eckley that was typical of the anthracite coal mining region. At its’ peak the coal mining town of Eckley reached a population of about a thousand, but eventually dwindled to a mere twenty inhabitants by the end of the century due to modernization of equipment and mining techniques.

Today, about fifty people call Eckley home.

A number of buildings are open to the public and are included as part of a walking tour. Most of the buildings are private residences or businesses. The Visitor’s Center, where a tour begins, features a slide-show orientation and a number of  exhibits on the history of Eckley and life in the mining towns throughout the anthracite region that makes the tour interesting and enjoyable.

There are still over twenty-three historic sites and structures on the tour. As of this writing three can be toured with a guide and several others are under development. There is also a movie prop on location in Eckley – The Company Store, built in 1869 was seen in the movie, The Molly Maguires, and is open during summer months. Other open buildings include the Church of the Immaculate Conception (1862) and the Miners’ Double Dwelling (1854), furnished as it was when miners lived in it.

The tour is educational and a trip back in time. When seen by a family outside the school year, as it is host to a number of school field trips, it is a casual and especially pleasant time.

Among the summer events is the great Civil War Encampment which is re-enacted at Eckley, dramatizing an 1863 occupation by the Union Army to quell draft resistance.

Eckley also features a number of other special events throughout the year, including Charter Day, when admission to all state museums is free.
Hours: Open Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm; Sundays 12 – 5.
Closed holidays except Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day.

Prices:

Adults $4.00
Seniors $3.50
Children (6-12) $2.00
Additional charge for Guided Tours and for Special Events.

Group Reservations: At least 2 weeks in advance.
Handicapped Access: Partial. Call (570) 636-2070 with your needs.

Directions:

Rt. 9 PA Tpke. Ext. North to I-80 West. Exit at White Haven and turn left onto Rt. 940. Go 6 miles to Freeland, turn left at Auto Exchange. 3 miles to Eckleys. 60 – 90 minutes north of Philadelphia.

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