This is a memorial to those who lost their lives in the coal mines.

This is also the entrance to the city of Black Diamond, Washington.

Black Diamond became a city in 1959 BUT was established as a community in the 1880's

It was one of the top areas to export coal

From 50 miles around my parents house there were 100's of coal mines.

The are very popular hikes in the area with major warning signs of abandoned mines.

Most have been filled, collapsed or fenced off but sink holes do open up now and then.

The best reason to drive to the town though is the local bakery. Open continuously Since 1902 and still cooks the bread in their "old brick oven"