Coal mining was the primary economic activity in the Appalachian region during the 19th and early 20th centuries, driving much of its industrial development.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, coal mining was the backbone of the Appalachian economy. The region is rich in coal deposits, particularly bituminous coal, which fueled the Industrial Revolution in the United States. Mining communities grew around coal mines, and the coal extracted was vital for energy production, particularly in steel manufacturing, railroads, and electricity generation. The demand for coal in the United States and abroad brought economic development to the area, though it also brought challenges like poor working conditions, labor unrest, and environmental degradation. Coal mining remained a dominant industry in the region until the late 20th century, when economic shifts and environmental concerns began to reduce its prevalence.