DISCOVER SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA GAP TRAIL PORT ROYAL MINE NO. 2 DISASTER Not long after leaving Cedar Creek, you’ll pass a memorial marker on the right side of the trail to remember the men killed nearby in 1901. According to the plaque, placed by the Rostraver Township Historical Society, several men were killed in an explosion of damp gas at 6:15 p.m. on June 10, 1901, and a second explosion four hours later killed many rescuers and brought the death total to 20. It is believed another 10 men who weren’t documented as being in the mine that day could have been killed as well. According to a story published in the Tribune-Review in 2001, many are buried in West Newton Ceme-tery, but one man remains entombed in the mine. The mine was flooded to fight the fire following the second explosion and never reopened. Dotted along the trail are the remnants of former coke ovens and other remind-ers of the heavy mining industry that once existed along the banks of the river, but many are visible only in fall, winter and spring before the abundant vegeta-tion of summer takes hold. The exception is the Banning No. 4 mine, which closed in 1982 and sits abandoned 100 yards off the trail just south of West Newton. Both structures and large piles of coal refuse are visible in all seasons. PORT ROYAL TUFA Continuing from the Port Royal Mine marker, you’ll pass underneath the Smithton Bridge and Interstate 70 far overhead, then reach a marker for the 12,000-year-old Port Royal Tufa. What might look at first glance like water cas-cading down a muddy hillside is actu-ally a rare geological formation. As the water, rich in calcium carbonate, flows from the spring, it deposits dissolved limestone. The result is an outdoor sta-lactite, one of just a few in the United States. It is constantly growing. DARR MINE DISASTER You’ll soon pass through Van Meter, a former coal patch company town, where you can stop on the trail for a refresher. Just south of the town is a memorial to the victims of the worst coal mining disaster in Pennsylvania history. The nearby Darr Mine exploded in December 1907 after the open flames of the miners’ helmets ignited methane dust, and killed 239 men and boys. The Pittsburgh Coal Company was found to be not at fault in the ensuing investi-gation, claiming that a group of men entered a restricted area, but afterward the company discontinued the use of open lamps in its mines. Just before the trail enters Fayette County as it continues toward Cum-berland, you’ll find signage that shows how the area once looked, with its six active railroad lines and bustling mine operations. adno=6322047 • Flooring Showroom • Expert Installation • Design Consultations • Insured - PA 016892 Discover Westmoreland 2016 | 19 PA022961 • CustomWood & Formica Cabinets • Refacing Specialists • Stock Cabinets • Residential &Commercial Cabinets • Free Estimates • Financing Available 861 N. Greengate Rd. Greensburg 724-834-4480 800-464-4896 • Engines: 25HP diesel and 32-40HP gas • More hydraulic power • New foot control forward and reverse • More comfort larger operating platform • 8 Gal fuel capacity adno=6326741 The Original 4-Wheel Drive Articulating Tractor 440 PARTS • SALES • SERVICE YODER EQUIPMENT, LLC Rt. 985 S. of Jennerstown 814-629-6505 adno=6326886 Capozzi Flooring Residential - Commercial 1117 Woodward Drive, Suite #3 Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724-837-8453 Fax: 724-837-8455 Carmen Capozzi - Owner Cell: 412-817-7851 adno=6327770 PAID ADVERTISEMENT HOME IMPROVEMENT AMISH CONTRACTING Hershberger Construction Owner: Daniel Hershberger Specializing in Metal Roofs, Vinyl Siding & Pole Buildings 40 year warranty on Metal Roofs with 20 colors to choose from PA029175 vm 814-938-2606 adno=6331999
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