On January 10, 1940, an explosion at the Pond Creek No. 1 mine in Bartley, McDowell County, killed 91 miners. Another 47 escaped. Rescue teams searched for five days, but found no survivors.

The explosion was caused by methane gas. Most miners died instantly, while others suffocated. Two even left farewell letters. The mine was nearly 600 feet deep and owned by the Pond Creek Pocahontas Coal Company.

The tragedy happened just three months after a school bus accident that killed six local children. One family lost a daughter in the bus crash and a father and son in the mine. A memorial honors the lost miners.