From Water to Coal: An Unexpected Discovery in South Tacoma
A driller searching for artesian water in South Tacoma strikes a vein of coal, raising hopes for a new local resource as the city's well-drilling project hits technical snags.
The story, cleaned up
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The South Tacoma wells may be abandoned in favor of mining. Driller McSwain, while working on one of the city's old wells, struck a new formation 200 feet deep. He passed through petrified wood and then into a stratum of coal. While the quantity does not appear sufficient for commercial mining yet, the find has generated significant local interest. Meanwhile, the 'deep well' that the city is drilling for artesian water has reached 800 feet, but progress has stalled after the contractors broke their machinery and were forced to halt for repairs.
“He passed first through petrified wood and then ran into a strata of good coal.”
This discovery highlights the early, exploratory nature of Tacoma's industrial development, where land was often appraised for its sub-surface mineral wealth as much as its surface potential. It serves as a reminder of the era when mining and drilling were common features of the city's expansion.
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