Atlanta Coal Mine Exhibit Opens to Public
Open House event May 13th

 

[May 08, 2023] 

The City of Atlanta, Illinois, announces the opening of its brand new “Atlanta Coal Mining Company Historical Mine” exhibit on the grounds of the J.H. Hawes Grain Elevator Museum, just a block and a half off Historic Route 66. The exhibit tells the story, that began in 1879, of the 40+ year attempt to establish a functioning coal mine for the Atlanta community.

The community is invited to an Open House for the general public on Saturday, May 13, from 10:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Visitors can step inside this one-of-kind attraction and discover the ironic story of Atlanta’s failed attempts to mine coal that ultimately led to a water source for the City’s residents. Peer down into the lighted mineshaft, touch a large chunk of coal, and view a video of the descent made down the mineshaft to recover artifacts from the shaft.

The City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Betterment Fund organization worked for several years to develop this new Atlanta Coal Mining Company Historical Mine exhibit. Each entity recognizes the importance of tourism to the community’s economy and looks forward to welcoming visitors from around the country and around the world to see the Coal Mine and Atlanta’s many other attractions.

For information on group tours, email [e-mail] or call 217-871-7557.

[Scott McCoy, Atlanta Tourism Director]