New Monument Honors Perry County Coal Miners, Remembers Sacrifice
A new Perry County Coal Miner Memorial was dedicated November 22 in downtown Hazard's Triangle Park to honor more than 280 miners who died on the job. The memorial acknowledges the dangers of coal mining noted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and aims to preserve local history while prompting discussion about the county's economic future.
A new monument honoring Perry County coal miners who died in the line of work was unveiled November 22 in Hazard's Triangle Park, providing a permanent place of remembrance for families and the broader community. The Perry County Coal Miner Memorial features an engraved depiction of a miner heading to work with his hard hat on and a pickax slung over his shoulder, etched rows of early 1900s coal camp houses in the background and modern mining machinery in the foreground. Smaller monuments on each side list the names of more than 280 Perry County miners killed while working.
The project was led by Hazard City Manager Tony Eversole, who spent over two years shepherding the memorial from concept to completion. Eversole, whose family history includes coal mining and who served in local law enforcement before moving to the mayor's office to manage special projects, worked with Perry County government and the Hazard Perry County Tourism Commission to ensure the memorial would serve as both a lasting tribute and a compelling piece of public art. City and county officials placed the new memorial among existing tributes to war veterans and the casualties of the catastrophic East Kentucky Flood.
The timing and symbolism of the dedication resonate with safety data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, coal mining remains among the most dangerous jobs in the United States, with a significantly higher fatal injury rate compared to other industries. For Hazard and surrounding communities the memorial is both a recognition of sacrifice and a tangible reminder of the human costs behind the region's economic development.
Local leaders say the monument supports cultural memory and tourism while acknowledging economic realities. Mayor Donald "Happy" Mobelini has noted that the coal industry is not as strong as it once was and that coal producing counties like Perry County are having to diversify their economies to survive. The memorial complements local events such as the Black Gold Festival and may strengthen heritage tourism efforts while giving families a visible place to grieve and remember.
As the county continues to navigate long term economic change, the memorial stands as a focal point for honoring past labor, educating visitors and residents, and framing conversations about safety, history, and the transitions ahead for Perry County.
