Diamond, Illinois: Diamond Mine Disaster Monument
Melting snow plus heavy rain equals mine collapse; most of the dead remain entombed in it.
Diamond Mine Disaster Monument
- Address:
- 2316 Division St., Diamond, IL
- Directions:
- I-55 exit 236 head west toward the town of Diamond. Across the street from the Diamond Strip Mine Plaza.
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Diamond Mine Disaster Marker
In the town of Diamond is a memorial marker to one of the worst coal mine disasters in Illinois that occurred on February 16, 1883. At about 11 AM, a three blast whistle was sounded after an unusual amount of water was discovered flowing at the bottom of the mineshaft. All families within several miles knew what it meant: the mine was flooding! In all, seventy-four men and boys perished leaving behind thirty-nine widows and ninety-three fatherless children. The memorial with a bronze plate containing the names of the victims was dedicated on September 6, 1926.
Today, the monument is kept in good condition and the gardens filled with colorful plantings by a gentleman who lives nearby. We were lucky enough to meet him and have him give us both a stirring description of what had happened along with a small pamphlet and early map of the area.
[John Holmes, 12/12/2009]Diamond Mine Disaster Marker
Historical marker and monument to commemorate the Diamond mine disaster (which was actually a coal mine disaster). Dozens of people were killed, many were never recovered.
For whatever reason there is a huge parking lot next to the Diamond mine disaster historical marker. There is an inappropriately placed telephone pole placed ridiculously close to the monument.It has a light on top which shows that it is open 24 hours a day!
[Gary, 05/02/2008]Nearby Offbeat Places
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On Feb. 16, 1883, the weight of melting snow and heavy rains collapsed part of the mine and killed at least 74 miners. Only 28 bodies were recovered after weeks of pumping the mine; the rest of the dead were sealed in the mine.