Desperate Coal Companies

I thought that learning about the coal industries and how they related to American history was very interesting. Ironically, while looking at Facebook this afternoon, I discovered this post relating to the modern history and usage of coal. Although it was once the main source of energy, or "stored sunshine", times are changing to reflect new attitudes.

http://blog.algore.com/2012/07/coals_imaginary_friends.html

Molly Maguires and Sherlock Holmes

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Valley_of_Fear
This is the link to the description of the last Sherlock Holmes novel, The Valley of Fear. The clip from Molly Maguires that we watched in class today reminded me of this story, and the article mentions that the story is loosely based of the Molly Maguires happenings.
Of particular interest in the start of the story is the way the coal mining districts are portrayed. Though I do not remember the exact words or description, the author paints a picture of utmost gloom, misery and tyranny. It is clear that he wants to convey what a horrifying place the mining district was...