Banning Mine/Darr Mine Disaster
I woke up one Tuesday morning, since the weather was perfect and I had no obligations, and decided to challenge myself to a 50 mile bicycle ride on the GAP trail. There is lots of history on this trail, and you don't have to ride 50 miles to read about it. I began my journey at Layton, Pa. Just up from there are remnants of Banning No. 1 Mine. The mine and old patch town were located along the Youghiogheny River in Perry Township, Fayette County, Pa. The panel shows the railroad, tipple, and coal being sorted by hand.
Banning No. 1. For a clearer picture visit Historic Pittsburgh.
Nothing remains of the houses to the left, except maybe bits of foundation which can't be seen from the trail.
Then and now, remains of a concrete coal tipple. Near mile marker 105.5.
The former Banning No. 2 mine has been upcycled into an open-air museum. Thousands of workers worked at this mine in the 55 years years it was in operation.
Mosaics can be seen from the trail and are meant to preserve the miners' stories. The art is part of an ongoing mosaic art installation by artist Rachel Sager called "The Ruins Project". I hope to go back for a tour of the additional mosaics, via an appointment.
Banning No.3 Mine, also located on the Pittsburg & Lake Erie Railroad, was just down river before Van Meter.
The five-story structure is the coal processing plant that sits on the site of Banning No. 4 mine.
I have lots more to post about this 50-mile bike trip, so stop back when you get a chance.
