The Pocahontas Exhibition Mine is the only of its kind in Virginia. Located in the town of Pocahontas in Tazewell County, the mine takes visitors underground to see how coal was produced in the 19th century. The 13-foot coal seam was first mined in 1882 and an operation remained there for 73 years. Pocahontas coal also once fueled the American Navy.
In 2015, the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) decided to partner with the mine in an effort to preserve some of the history of coal mining in southwest Virginia. Mine safety workers within DMME inspect the exhibition mine to make sure it is safe for visitors. DMME also awarded the mine with a community outreach grant to purchase signs with educational and historical information about coal mining in Virginia.
The Pocahontas Exhibition Mine is open April through September, Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m.- 5p.m. and Sundays 12pm- 4pm. Groups that include 12 or more people can schedule a tour through December by calling 276.945.9522 or by sending an email to pocahontasva@comcast.net.