The evolution of anthracite mining from its early discovery in the 1790's to the present strip mining operations of the 21st Century is a story that is as diverse as the people who settled the area. In the early years getting coal to market proved to be the greatest challenge.  At first the waterways were developed with canals along the Schuylkill, Lackawanna, Lehigh and Susquehanna Rivers.  Soon after, the railroads emerged and stretched into every coal mining patch town and commercial hub from Pottsville, Hazleton, and Shamokin to Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and Mauch Chunk during the mid 1800's. The canals and later the railroads began to turn a profit from the shipment of anthracite, while providing even more jobs and industrial growth. For further historical information click the following links: Mining Transportation