Ashton Creek Mine
History
The mine was opened in 1886 with the primary objective of finding coal. Despite not having any formal training in prospecting or bringing in a professional, the founder of Ashton Creek, Amos Ashton personally struck the earth to denote its precise location. Surprisingly, the ground in the area was saturated with coal. It was a major source of employment and revenue for the community in the late 19th and early 20th century. The mine was owned and operated by Ashton, and it was a key component of the town's economy.
Over the years, the mine became increasingly productive as it continued to expand in size and scope, and it helped to fuel the growth and development of Ashton Creek. Amos Ashton took great personal interest in the progress of the mine, though he did not always seem particularly concerned with the bookkeeping. Instead he was very preoccupied with just how deep the mine went, as though it was a point of pride or if he were chasing some achievement.
After Ashton's death in 1902 the Ashton Mining Company and its properties was acquired by the larger Smithson Operations company in 1909. Under Smithson Operations' ownership, the mine experienced a period of rapid expansion and prosperity. New tunnels were dug, albeit not much deeper than they already were. New machinery was installed, transforming the mine into a modern, efficient operation. Smithson also fortified the old supports and strengthened safety measures. However, despite these improvements, the mine remained a dangerous place to work, and accidents and injuries were common.
Despite this, disaster struck on the 4th of October, 1983. A cave-in occurred during a heavy storm, trapping a group of miners deep underground. Despite immediate efforts to rescue them, only a few were saved. Some were crushed, some starved after being trapped, and some drowned as the mines flooded. The tragedy cast a shadow over the town for years to come. In the aftermath of the disaster, the mine was closed down, and it has remained abandoned ever since. Today, it is a haunting reminder of the town's past, and a place that is avoided by most locals. The town continues to hold a yearly memorial service on the day of the disaster.
1982
