On December 6, 1907, a mine explosion occurred in Monongah, West Virginia. It was the worst mining disaster in U.S. history. Tragedies like this made it clear: mine workers were subject to exploitative and deadly working conditions. Learn more about their battle for dignity: MINE WARS is streaming now → https://to.pbs.org/2RAzPQ7 | American Experience | PBS

On the morning of May 19th, 1902, a huge explosion ripped through Fraterville Coal Mine in Tennessee, its devastating power instantly killing most of the 216 miners who were below ground. For the 26 who survived the initial blast, a side passage of the mine proved to be a safe haven, but not for long—when rescuers eventually reached them, all had suffocated. Found next to a number of those 26 bodies were letters to loved ones, one of which can be seen below. It was written by Jacob Vowell to Sar