Historic Harlan, KY: A Glimpse into Coal Mining Era

This photograph is a glass negative taken by the Bain News Service between 1915 and 1920, featuring the city of Harlan, Kentucky. Known for its significant coal mining history, Harlan emerged as a key player in the Appalachian coal industry during this era. The negative measures 5 by 7 inches or smaller, capturing a moment in time that reflects the social and economic landscape of the early 20th century in this region.

In the decades surrounding the early 1900s, Harlan became a pivotal site for coal extraction, drawing waves of workers seeking employment and opportunity. The towns growth was tied closely to the coal boom, impacting its demographics and culture. This photograph serves as a visual historical record, illustrating the environment and community of Harlan at a time of industrial expansion and transformation in American history.