A Glimpse into the Past: The Rise of Red Ash
Nestled within the rugged terrain of West Virginia’s New River Gorge lies a relic of America’s industrial past: the Red Ash Coke Ovens. These abandoned structures, once integral to the region’s coal and steel industries, now stand as silent sentinels to a bygone era. For urban explorers and history enthusiasts, the Red Ash Coke Ovens offer a unique glimpse into the early 20th-century coal mining operations that fueled America’s growth. Below are several 360-degree panoramic images of the abandoned ovens. Take your time and have a look around.
Image by: Harold Smith 2022
About the Red Ash Coke Ovens
The story of the Red Ash Coke Ovens begins in the late 19th century. On October 13, 1891, the Red Ash Coal & Coke Company was established with the primary objective of mining coal and producing coke near Rush Run, just half a mile from the South Side Branch of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The high-quality coal found there, known for burning with a distinctive “red ash,” inspired both the company’s and the coal camp’s name, Red Ash.
By 1906, the Red Ash site had over 80 coke ovens in operation. These ovens were notably advanced for their time, featuring dual doors that allowed the use of mechanical arms for more efficient loading and unloading of coke.
The Decline the Red Ash Coke Ovens: Closure and Abandonment
Despite its early success, the Red Ash operation faced challenges that led to its decline. Historical data indicates that these coke ovens have not been used since sometime before 1916.
By the 1950s, the mines at Red Ash had been exhausted, leading to their closure. Following this, the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway also closed its South Side Branch station in Red Ash on April 15, 1957.
Historical Significance: A Testament to Industrial Innovation
The Red Ash Coke Ovens are more than just remnants of a defunct industry; they are a testament to the innovation and determination of early 20th-century industrialists. The bread-loaf/vault style of the ovens, differing from the more common beehive style, offered the advantage of a mechanical arm to more efficiently load and unload coke. Their large face openings may have been covered by doors at one time. This style of oven arguably has more structural strength than the beehive style considering their current comparative rate of deterioration.
The Red Ash site also holds a somber place in history due to a catastrophic explosion that occurred on March 6, 1900. Initiated by methane gas ignited by the open flames of miners’ headlamps, the explosion further set alight coal dust and several kegs of powder within the mine.
The Present: Nature Reclaims Its Own
Today, the Red Ash Coke Ovens stand as hauntingly beautiful ruins, with over 80 ovens still remaining in the New River at the town of Red Ash, West Virginia. Operations for these ovens stopped in the early 1900s.
Urban explorers visiting the site will find a landscape where history and nature intertwine. The ovens, with their distinctive architecture, are partially buried and reclaimed by nature, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and captivating. A service/ventilation tunnel runs the rear length of the ovens, offering a glimpse into the operational complexities of the site.
Future Prospects: Preservation and Exploration
As of now, there are no publicly announced plans for the restoration or redevelopment of the Red Ash Coke Ovens. The site remains a hidden gem for those willing to venture into the depths of West Virginia’s wilderness. However, the growing interest in industrial archaeology and heritage tourism may eventually lead to efforts aimed at preserving this significant piece of history.
For urban explorers, the Red Ash Coke Ovens offer a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the remnants of America’s industrial heritage firsthand. As always, visitors are encouraged to respect the site, prioritize safety, and adhere to any local regulations when exploring.
If you liked this blog post, you might want to read about the Fort Myers House in Florida, the Rolava Tin mine in Czechia, or the Graffiti Pier in Pennsylvania.
A 360-degree panoramic image captured at the abandoned Red Ash Coke Ovens in West Virginia. Image by: Harold Smith 2022
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Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure. If you want to start shooting 360-degree panoramic images, you might want to look onto one-click 360-degree action cameras.
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