Miner's hero - John L. Lewis

Coal Miner's Where They worked Where They Lived

John L. Lewis was one of the most powerful political leaders of the twentieth century. His life illuminates the rise of the American labor movement .

As head of the United Mine Workers from 1919 to 1960. He was the "Miner's Hero." His influence in the union made life better for all coal miners. John L. Lewis led a life that was devoted to the United Mine Workers. He was viewed as a giant among American leaders in the first half of the twentieth century, regularly advising presidents and challenging America's corporate leaders. He became one of the most prestigious presidents the United Mine Workers ever had.

Perhaps Lewis' greatest legacy was the creation of the UMWA Welfare and Retirement Fund in a contract with the federal government, signed in the White House with President Truman in attendance. The UMWA Fund would change permanently health care delivery in the coal fields of the nation. The UMWA Fund built eight hospitals in Appalachia and established numerous clinics. In 1964, Lewis was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian decoration, by President Lyndon Johnson. He remained Chairman of the UMWA Fund until his death in 1969.

Time Line of Kentucky Coal.

History of coal from 1701 to the present.

About Kentucky Coal

Biographical and descriptive

about Kentucky coal.

A Brief History of UMWA

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