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Lansford
The main attraction here is the longest operating anthracite coal mine in the world. Today you can ride by rail 1,600 feet underground and take a walking tour of the Number Nine Mine’s innermost workings. While in the deep shaft, originally opened in 1855, you can explore muleways (narrow underground passages connecting different tunnels) and view a miner’s hospital room cut in solid stone.
A key point in Lansford’s history occurred in 1870-71, when a railroad tunnel was cut through Nesquehoning Mountain, linking the Panther and Hauto Valleys. This achievement meant coal from Panther Valley could be easily transported by rail to Mauch Chunk through the Hauto Tunnel, without first having to be shipped up the mountain planes via gravity railroad to Summit Hill. This simpler, more efficient transportation link prompted the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company to move its main offices to Lansford. And wherever the LC&N Co. went, attention followed.
The resulting cultural diversity led to a wide array of landmark churches. The Lansford Historical Society has a self-guided tour available.
Things to see and do in Lansford
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At first glance, the Borough of Lansford appears scarred from the decline of a once thriving economy. Upon closer inspection, something important is revealed. It is a community of forthright people. Lansford's centers of faith clearly show how this village takes care of its own.
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Originally known as Ashton and Storm Hill, Lansford's personality soars higher than its tallest church tower and deeper than its beloved No. 9 Mine, which was reopened by volunteer miners.
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Explore the world's oldest continually operated anthracite coal mine (1855-1972). Tour the 1923 Wash Shanty and see breaker models, a collection of antique mining tools, lamps and other memorabilia used in the coal mining industry.
