First Coal Mine in Utah
In 1854, at Fort Ephraim, an Indian Tabiona
gave Pres. Brigham Young a black rock,
saying "heap burn", two Welsh coalminers,
John Rees & John Price, were sent with the
Indian to locate the coal vein, which was
found in coal canyon about 1 mile south
and 1 1/2 miles west of this marker. Until
1860 welsh pioneers were directed to settle
near coalbed (wales) to develope the mine. In
1872 twelve coke ovens were erected. In 1875
a branch railroad line was extended from Nephi
to ship the coal to market. It carried U.S. Mail
for all Sanpete Co.
Coalbed Camp, Sanpete County
