Red Ash, established in 1891 by the Red Ash Coal & Coke Company, was a significant coal camp located along the New River in West Virginia.
Red Ash, established in 1891 by the Red Ash Coal & Coke Company, was a significant coal camp located along the New River in West Virginia. This camp gained prominence due to the high-quality coal extracted from the area, noted for producing a distinctive red ash when burned.
One of the key features of Red Ash was its array of 80 coke ovens. These ovens were distinguished by their dual-door design, a novel feature at the time, which allowed for the use of mechanical arms. This innovation enhanced the efficiency of both loading coke into the ovens and unloading it once the coking process was complete.
In addition to its industrial significance, Red Ash was closely associated with Red Ash Island. During the smallpox epidemic of 1900-1905 and the 1918 influenza pandemic, the island served a critical role as a quarantine area for those afflicted with contagious diseases. Beyond its healthcare function, Red Ash Island was a recreational hub for the community. It featured amenities such as a baseball diamond, a dancing pavilion, swimming holes, and a cemetery, contributing to the social life of the area.
By the mid-1950s, the coal mines in Red Ash were depleted, marking the end of the camp’s primary economic activity. This depletion signaled a shift in the community’s viability and character, as the resource that had once been the cornerstone of its existence was no longer available.
