The Path to Recognition: Coal Miners, Their Unions and Coal Operators in Tennessee

The story of Tennessee coal mining from the 1830’s thru the 1930’s, focusing on the working conditions of miners and their families, the unions and companies involved and labor strife. While Tennessee coal miners were able to improve their condition through collective bargaining, progress was slow and inconsistent. With the passage of the National Industrial Recovery Act in 1933, wages and working conditions were permanently improved and the coal miners achieved union recognition without the violent coal strikes experienced in other areas of the country.