The awareness of the existence of substantial coal reserves dates back to colonial times in America. Prior to the late nineteenth century, however, businessmen interested in high profit yielding adventures did not show great interest in the coal industry. A primary reason for the apathy evidenced by the wealthy capitalists during this time was that the country lacked efficient means for transporting the coal out of the remote mountains. Also, the technological industrialization which was necessary for the support of the resource's mass production had not yet evolved sufficiently.

Prior to the 1880's, most people living in the isolated areas of southern West Virginia supported themselves as family hunters and farmers. This was typical of other coal producing areas in the country. The existence of the natives was barely adequate from a financial or materialistic standard, but was enriched by the feelings of independence and satisfaction which arose from a life of self-reliance.

Although the majority of individuals in these areas were farmers and hunters by trade, some did consider coal mining to be their primary profession. Unlike their future counterparts, however, these particular laborers were involved in a craft occupation which included formal apprenticeship training,