Marker Inscription
Once a staple of Bridgeport's economy, coal was discovered here in later part of 19th century. Diggers hit vein 60 feet deep while seeking water. Mine No. 1 lies under northeast Bridgeport, and entire area is honeycombed with tunnels and shafts. Wise County Coal Company was chartered August 23, 1882, by C. D. Cates, J. C. Carpenter, J. G. Halsell, J. J. Lang, H. Greathouse, and D. Waggoner. The firm was bought in 1900 by Colonel William H. Aston of Virginia. Renamed Bridgeport Coal Company, it had 500 employees at Zenith. Mines closed in 1929 due to increased use of oil and gas.
About this site
Bridgeport Coal Mines is a historical marker in Bridgeport, Wise County, dedicated in 1971. It is one of 89 historical markers documented in Wise County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 159 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 33.2097, -97.7607 near Bridgeport. The nearest cataloged historic site is First Baptist Church Bridgeport (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Bridgeport Lodge No. 587, A.F. & A.M., Bridgeport East Cemetery, and Hunt, Col. William Hudson.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5497000506. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
