Thayer, Illinois – Working the Northern Mines
Traveling southward along Illinois State Route 4, one is immediately immersed in a landscape that once pulsed with the lifeblood of coal mining. From the 1860s onward, this region of Illinois witnessed a dramatic transformation, as coal mines and the accompanying boomtowns mushroomed across the countryside. These burgeoning industries acted as magnets, drawing immigrants from every corner of the globe seeking opportunity and a new life. By 1910, the peak of this industrial fervor, Macoupin County, located just south of Thayer, Illinois, boasted an impressive 22 active mines. A staggering 17 of these mines were actively engaged in shipping vast quantities of coal, loaded into countless train cars, destined for the larger industrial centers that fueled the nation’s growth.
The distribution of these mining operations was far from uniform. Thayer, Illinois, itself was home to a single mine, while the nearby town of Virden possessed a remarkable 21. Girard followed with nine mines, Nilwood had 16, Carlinville supported 14, Gillespie operated seven, and Staunton featured a dozen. The coal mining heydays, however, were not without their darker side. The region became a crucible of social and economic tension, as the lives of miners and their families were fraught with hardship. The work was inherently dangerous and physically demanding, conditions within the mines were often appalling, filled with stale, dusty air and noxious fumes. These factors, combined with persistent issues regarding fair pay, inevitably led to the formation of labor unions, as miners sought to collectively bargain for better working conditions and a more equitable share of the profits they helped generate.
These years of labor unrest were marked by frequent strikes, which often escalated into violence and even riots. One of the most infamous incidents was the Virden Mine Riot of October 1898. This event was triggered by the arrival of approximately 2,000 African American workers from Alabama, who had been hired as strikebreakers to undermine the efforts of local miners who were already on strike. The situation quickly deteriorated, culminating in a bloody confrontation between guards and miners, resulting in the tragic deaths of 13 men. This event serves as a stark reminder of the complex social dynamics and the often-brutal realities of the era.
Despite the hardships and violence, these labor struggles ultimately proved to be a catalyst for positive change. They played a crucial role in instigating the passage of new labor laws that aimed to protect workers’ rights and improve their working conditions. These landmark legislations included the establishment of the 40-hour workweek, restrictions on child labor, and the implementation of minimum wage laws. These reforms represented significant advancements in the fight for social justice and helped to create a more equitable society for working-class Americans. The history of Thayer, Illinois and its surrounding region is inextricably linked to these pivotal moments in labor history.
While the numerous coal mines that once dominated the landscape along the original Route 4 alignment, which served as Route 66 from 1926 to 1930, have long since disappeared, the legacy of coal mining remains deeply embedded in the character of the small towns that dot the area. Traveling south from Thayer, Illinois, the old road meanders through a series of charming villages, each with its own unique history and identity. These towns are characterized by their quaint small businesses, well-preserved public squares, and a tangible sense of community. They serve as living reminders of a bygone era, when coal was king and the lives of countless individuals were shaped by the demands of the mining industry.
Thayer, Illinois itself was a relative latecomer to the region’s coal mining boom. Its history is closely tied to the Chicago, Wilmington & Vermilion Coal Company, which acquired mining lands in the southern portion of Sangamon County in 1900. The company appointed Ruffin D. Fletcherson as Mine Superintendent, entrusting him with the responsibility of overseeing the construction of the mines and the planning of the town of Thayer. Fletcherson played a pivotal role in shaping the early development of the community. He supervised the construction of 86 homes, making it possible for the miners to own their own residences. He also oversaw the building of a 26-room hotel, which provided lodging for visitors and served as a social hub for the town. In addition to these essential amenities, Fletcherson also built a handsome residence for himself and a large store building to cater to the needs of the growing population.
The Chicago, Wilmington, and Vermillion Coal Company was established in 1866 by a group of wealthy investors from Boston and Chicago. Building upon their previous successes in the region, the company moved swiftly to establish its presence in Thayer. The first coal shaft was sunk in June 1900, and by the following January, the mine was already producing an impressive 250 tons of coal per day. By December 1901, the mine’s daily capacity had soared to 2,000 tons. The plant was widely regarded as a "wonder" and a "first-class" operation, boasting some of the most advanced equipment in the state. However, like many other mining operations of the time, the mine’s resources were eventually depleted. In 1914, after just over a decade of operation, the mine was closed, marking the end of an era for Thayer, Illinois.
Like many other towns situated along the historic Route 66, Thayer, Illinois also played a small, albeit intriguing, role in the gangster era of the 1930s. The town was the boyhood home of Byron "Monty" Bolton, a member of the infamous Barker-Karpis Gang. During an FBI investigation, Bolton’s childhood home was searched for clues related to the gang’s activities. In January 1935, Bolton was arrested in Chicago and subsequently provided valuable information about the gang’s operations. He revealed the location of Ma and Freddie Barker’s hideout in Florida, leading to their capture. Bolton later claimed to have participated in the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, a notorious event in the history of organized crime.
Today, Thayer, Illinois, located just a short distance south of Auburn, is a quiet community with a population of approximately 632 residents as of 2020. Its small downtown area features a handful of interesting buildings that reflect the town’s rich history. For those seeking a bite to eat, Mick & Mary’s in Thayer, situated at 310 E. Ebony Street, offers not only a satisfying meal but also a glimpse into the region’s past. The walls of the restaurant are adorned with historic photographs that depict scenes from the town’s coal mining era and other significant moments in its history.
To continue your Route 66 journey, simply follow Illinois State Route 4 for a short two-mile drive to the south to Virden. This route will take you through the heart of the former coal mining region, offering a chance to experience the unique character and enduring legacy of these historic communities.