Consumers, Utah Ghost Town
Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Carbon County, Utah, lies the silent echo of Consumers, a ghost town that once thrived on the promise of coal. Like its neighboring sister city of National, Consumers emerged from the earth’s depths, fueled by the discovery of coal in the early 20th century. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that Consumers truly took shape, transforming from a mere prospect into a bustling mining community.
The story of Consumers begins with Arthur E. Gibson, a visionary who recognized the potential hidden beneath the surface. Sometime before 1920, Gibson secured nearly 1,500 acres of land, a vast expanse ripe with opportunity. During the harsh winter of 1921-22, he embarked on a mission to unlock the riches within, hiring men to work the newly established mine. Through their collective efforts, they extracted approximately 34 wagonloads of coal, a testament to their dedication and the land’s abundance.
In 1924, Gibson’s vision materialized into the Consumers Mutual Coal Company, with him serving as a key officer. However, further progress was temporarily halted due to funding constraints. Despite these challenges, a town began to emerge, initially named Gibson in honor of its founder. Later, it was renamed Consumers, reflecting the community’s purpose and identity.
November 1925 marked a significant milestone for Consumers as coal shipments commenced via the National Coal Railway. Each day, six to eight carloads of coal departed from the town, fueling industries and warming homes across the region. To meet the growing demand, the company invested in new equipment to expand its operations. Eventually, two mines were established on each side of the canyon, solidifying Consumers’ position as a major coal-producing center.
By 1926, Consumers had earned a reputation as one of the West’s largest and most modern coal-producing plants. Its innovative approach set it apart from its competitors. The Consumers Mine was the first in the state to utilize conveyor belts to transport coal, replacing the traditional reliance on mine cars. This technological advancement streamlined operations and increased efficiency, further cementing Consumers’ status as a pioneer in the industry.
In September 1927, the Blue Blaze Coal Company acquired the Consumers Mutual Coal Company, continuing the town’s legacy of coal production. The town flourished, attracting workers and their families seeking economic opportunities.
Consumers wasn’t an isolated community. It shared essential facilities with the nearby mining camps of National and Sweet, fostering a sense of camaraderie and interdependence. These shared resources included a post office, schoolhouse, hospital, and amusement hall, providing residents with access to education, healthcare, and entertainment. However, Consumers distinguished itself with its own store and a central well, catering to the unique needs of its residents.
The company store served as a vital hub for the community, offering a wide array of goods, from groceries and clothing to mining equipment and household items. It was a place where miners could purchase necessities and families could stock up on supplies. The central well provided a reliable source of water, essential for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
Despite its early success, Consumers faced adversity in February 1938 when the Blue Blaze Coal Company entered receivership, leading to the mine’s closure. In June, the company’s property was foreclosed on and subsequently sold at auction the following year. However, this setback didn’t mark the end of Consumers’ story.
The MacGowan Coal Company acquired the property and resumed operations in October 1939. Later, the Hudson Coal Company purchased the mine, continuing the tradition of coal extraction in the area.
In the 1940s, Hudson Coal Company expanded its holdings by purchasing the upper Gordon Creek sites. Over time, Hudson leased the land to modern mining companies, which continue to operate in the region today, albeit with advanced technologies and practices.
Today, the old town of Consumers is a mere memory, its physical structures vanished with the passage of time. All that remains are a few foundations, silent witnesses to a bygone era.
Despite its physical disappearance, Consumers continues to captivate the imagination of history enthusiasts and curious travelers. To reach the remnants of this once-thriving town, visitors can embark on a journey southwest of Helper, Utah.
From Helper, head south on US-191 for approximately two miles until you reach Consumers Road. Turn west onto Consumers Road and travel for about nine miles to Coal City. The old mining camps of Sweet, Consumers, and National are located approximately two miles west of Coal City.
The old townsite of Consumers lies just beyond National, to the right of a point where Consumers Road splits. The site was situated about ½ mile on the right fork.
As you explore the area, imagine the bustling streets, the clanging of mining equipment, and the lively conversations of miners and their families. Envision the company store filled with shoppers, the schoolhouse echoing with children’s laughter, and the amusement hall hosting community gatherings.
Consumers may be gone, but its story lives on, reminding us of the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that shaped the American West. It serves as a testament to the rise and fall of mining towns, the allure of natural resources, and the enduring power of human endeavor.
Consumers, Utah, a ghost town shrouded in history, invites you to step back in time and uncover the legends of America’s past.