Coal Valley
State: Iowa
County: Appanoose County
Founded: 1870s
Abandoned: 1920s
Iowa's coalfields created dozens of mining communities in the late 1800s. Coal Valley was one of many that died when the mines played out or when larger operations consolidated. Most have returned to farmland with only foundations remaining.
Quick Facts
- Iowa was coal country before corn country
- Appanoose County had dozens of mining towns
- Most returned to farmland
- Typical Midwest mining ghost town pattern
Location
Address: Appanoose County, Iowa
Coordinates: 40.7419, -92.8517