1905 Virginia City Mine explosion

The was a fatal mining accident that killed 112 coal miners at Virginia City, near Hueytown, on February 20, 1905.

The Jefferson County Coroner and Alabama State Mine Inspector determined that the explosion was caused by the use of too much powder in a charge made at the 5th entry left. The presence of large amounts of coal dust in the mine's air carried the explosive reaction through the entire mine and caused water pumps and pipes to break, flooding chambers below the water line. All 112 miners present were killed. The mine itself suffered little damage except for a rock collapse at the entrance.

[{Republic Steel]] purchased the mine in 1936 and operated it until 1963. The property was subsequently redeveloped as the Virginia Estates and Edenwood residential subdivisions.