West Virginia’s beautiful scenery sometimes hides great tragedy. The Mountain State has seen more than its fair share of disasters and accidents over its history. One of the lesser known tragedies in our state took place near Hawks Nest State Park.
Hawks Nest State Park is known for some of the most scenic views of West Virginia.
WikiMedia Commons/Carol M Highsmith
But few people know the park’s darker history.
WikiMedia Commons/NKS22
In 1927, a project began to dam the New River and divert it through a tunnel under Gauley Mountain near the park.
WV State Parks
While the tunnel was being cut through the mountain, workers discovered valuable silicon dioxide and were given orders to mine it, but were not given any masks or protective gear for the task.
WikiMedia Commons/Gumersindorego The powdered silicon dioxide entered their lungs, and many workers died soon after.
The event became known as the Hawks Nest Tunnel Disaster, and a historical marker about the event can be found at Hawks Nest State Park.
WikiMedia Commons/Brian M. Powell The sign reads:
“Construction of nearby tunnel, diverting waters of New River through Gauley Mt for hydroelectric power, resulted in state’s worst industrial disaster. Silica rock dust caused 109 admitted deaths in mostly black, migrant underground work force of 3,000. Congressional hearing placed toll at 476 for 1930-35. Tragedy brought recognition of acute silicosis as occupational lung disease and compensation legislation to protect workers.”
Hawks Nest State Park remains a beautiful place to visit today, but it’s worth remembering those who died unnecessarily in what is now considered one of the worst industrial disasters in American history.
West Virginia State Parks/Facebook
Sadly, the Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster is not the only disaster to have struck West Virginia. Here are 10 more of the most horrifying disasters that ever happened in West Virginia.
WikiMedia Commons/Carol M Highsmith
WikiMedia Commons/NKS22
WV State Parks
WikiMedia Commons/Gumersindorego
The powdered silicon dioxide entered their lungs, and many workers died soon after.
WikiMedia Commons/Brian M. Powell
The sign reads:
“Construction of nearby tunnel, diverting waters of New River through Gauley Mt for hydroelectric power, resulted in state’s worst industrial disaster. Silica rock dust caused 109 admitted deaths in mostly black, migrant underground work force of 3,000. Congressional hearing placed toll at 476 for 1930-35. Tragedy brought recognition of acute silicosis as occupational lung disease and compensation legislation to protect workers.”
West Virginia State Parks/Facebook
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