National, Utah Ghost Town – Legends of America
Nestled in the rugged terrain of Carbon County, Utah, lies the spectral remains of National, a ghost town whispering tales of coal booms and silent departures. Though coal slumbered beneath the surface since 1908, it wasn’t until the early 1920s that National sprang to life, a testament to the ambitions of the National Coal Company. This mining camp, perched along the upper reaches of Gordon Creek, became a hub of activity, its red-brick buildings a bold statement against the natural landscape.
The genesis of National coincided with the collaborative efforts of the National Coal Company and the Gordon Creek Coal Company. Together, they embarked on constructing a railway line extending from the Utah Railroad in Helper, forging a vital link to the Gordon Creek mining operations. This railway became the lifeline for three burgeoning towns: National, Consumers, and Sweet. Each town played a unique role in the coal mining ecosystem, contributing to the collective prosperity of the region.
Despite their individual identities, the three mining camps were interconnected, sharing essential amenities. The National post office and schoolhouse served as communal hubs, fostering a sense of community among the residents. Similarly, Consumer’s hospital and amusement hall provided crucial services and recreational opportunities for the miners and their families. Each camp boasted its own store and well, ensuring the availability of essential supplies and resources.
As tensions simmered in the 1930s, blockhouses were strategically erected to safeguard mine officials, a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the industry. Company homes and expansive apartment houses stood as symbols of privilege, offering the only dwellings with coveted indoor plumbing. This disparity in living conditions underscored the social hierarchy that permeated the mining camps.
In the early 1930s, the three camps coalesced to form a medical association, a collaborative effort aimed at providing healthcare to the mining community. Administered by a committee composed of company and union representatives, the association charged a modest fee of $1.50 per month for a man with a family and $1 per month for a single man. These deductions, automatically extracted from the miners’ wages, covered the expenses of the company doctor, nurse, medical bills, office operations, and essential medications. However, surgical items typically incurred additional costs, placing a financial burden on those in need of specialized care.
In July 1938, the National Coal Company abruptly ceased its operations, casting a pall over the town and its inhabitants. By the end of the year, the company’s assets were sold under foreclosure, marking a turning point in National’s fate. The once-thriving mining camp teetered on the brink of oblivion, its future uncertain.
In early 1940, the tipple, machinery, railroad, and other valuable assets were auctioned off to the highest bidder, signaling the final chapter in National’s story. Although mining operations were briefly revived by the new owner, the resurgence was short-lived, and the town gradually succumbed to its inevitable demise. National faded into obscurity, its buildings and streets becoming silent witnesses to a bygone era.
Today, active mining continues in the area, yet little remains of the three old mining camps. However, keen observers can still discern a few foundations and crumbling buildings along Gordon Creek, remnants of a once-vibrant community. These spectral vestiges serve as poignant reminders of the dreams and struggles of the miners who toiled in the depths of the earth.
To embark on a journey to National, begin in Helper and head south on US-191 for approximately two miles until you reach Consumers Road. Travel west for about nine miles to Coal City. The old mining camps of Sweet, Consumers, and National lie approximately two miles further west, beckoning intrepid explorers to uncover their hidden stories.
As you traverse the landscape, imagine the bustling streets, the clanging of machinery, and the camaraderie of the mining community. National stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ephemeral nature of boomtowns. Its echoes resonate through the ages, inviting us to reflect on the rise and fall of industries and the enduring legacy of those who shaped the American West.
Copyright © Kathy Weiser/Legends of America, October 2018.
See Also:
- Carbon County Ghost Towns
- Ghost Towns Across America
- Utah Ghost Towns
- Utah Photo Galleries