264 •(INDUSTRIAL DISASTER--HAWKS NEST TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION) A pair of albums with 100 photographs documenting construction of the infamous tunnel and nearby dam, the result of which is known as one of the worst industrial disasters in American history when more than 760 mostly African American laborers died as a result of poor working conditions.
Including views of workers under and above ground, using various modern construction machinery; multiple ominous shots looking directly down the huge, dark tunnels, both before and after lining; and construction scenes and functional images of the nearby dam, powerhouse, and hydro-power plant. Silver prints, the images measuring approximately 8x10 inches (20.3x25.4 cm.), linen-backed, many with a typed heading, caption, and date on verso. Oblong 4tos, black leatherette; twin-bolt binding; 5 prints loose. 1930-37

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The Hawks Nest Tunnel tragedy is one of the worst industrial disasters in America to this day. Migrant underground workers were subjected to copious amounts of poisonous silica dust while boring through Gauley Mountain for days on end.